U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped 6 drug smuggling attempts when they seized more than 1200 pounds of marijuana.

Since the first of May CBP Officers at the Douglas Port of Entry have been successful in apprehending 6 would-be drug smugglers. CBP Officers screening traffic discovered that: A 2003 Chevy Impala had over 360 pounds of marijuana just sitting in the trunk. A 2000 Chevy Suburban had nearly 600 pounds of marijuana concealed in secret compartments built into the floor as well as the gas tank. A 1998 Chevy Pk-up had over 150 pounds of marijuana concealed in the gas tank.  CBP Officers also found 30 pounds of marijuana concealed in a backseat, 36 pounds of marijuana concealed in rocker panels, and 29 pounds of marijuana concealed in the tailgate of a pick-up truck.  The total weight of marijuana seized was more than 1,200 pounds with an estimated street value of $1.9 million.

Since the middle of April to date the CBP Officers at the Douglas POE have seized a total of more than 2500 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $4.1 million.

“It is obvious that the drug trade has set a vigorous pace” said Ernestine Morris, Director of Passenger Operations at the Douglas Port of Entry” These seizures are a result of the commitment that is being expressed by each individual CBP Officer. Customs and Border Protection remains true to it’s commitment to secure and protect our nation’s border and continues to advance the capabilities of each CBP Officer.”

  CBP Officers seized all of the load vehicles and marijuana. All of the smugglers were turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.  

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.