Customs use technology to nab smuggler with 500 lbs of marijuana


Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 12:06 PM MDT


U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug-smuggling attempt when they seized more than 500 pounds of marijuana during a vehicle inspection.  


On March 10, 2009 at 12:15pm CBP Officers became suspicious of a 41year-old woman from Agua Prieta. Sonora, Mexico as she attempted to cross her pick-up into the United States. A k-9 team searched the vehicle which resulted in a positive response for the presence of narcotics. Using a Mobile VACIS (a high-tech vehicle X-ray machine), it was confirmed that something was being concealed in a false bed of the pick-up truck that the woman was driving. Further investigation revealed that the false-bed of the pick-up contained more than 500 pounds of marijuana for an estimated street of $850,000.

 “There is no doubt that the CBP Officers are skilled in what they do”, said Assistant Port Director Margaret Baldenegro, Director of Special Operations at the Douglas Port Of Entry “today’s CBP Officer receives more training than ever before and is equipped with the latest technology. CBP realizes that the union of Skills and Technology is the true buffer that stands between terrorism and the safety of our nation. As CBP stands firm today; tomorrow’s advances are already taking shape”.

CBP Officers seized the pick-up and marijuana. The woman was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.   

 A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt.  An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

The Office of Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States.   Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.

 

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    DWamericancitizens wrote on Apr 11, 2009 1:49 PM:

    " Great job CBP these arrests are in valved with the drug cartel these people are married/sleeping with the mexican drugdealers. Thats funny majority are MEXICAN DACENT FINGER print/picture them and never let them in the unitedstates Ever... "

    DWamericancitizens wrote on Apr 4, 2009 1:40 PM:

    " GREAT job CBP THE american us citizens are watching. Keep the dirty drug smugglers/illigalaliens out. deport them now.American United states citizens first.Illigal is illigal means illiagal get out.... "

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