Hearing in alleged smuggling case reset
Douglas Customs officer, others stand accused

By Jonathon Shacat
Wick News Service
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 3:14 PM MST


BISBEE — A court hearing that was scheduled for Jan. 10 has been rescheduled for March in U.S. District court in Tucson for a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer and co-defendants who allegedly smuggled marijuana through the Douglas Port of Entry.


Luis Carlos Vasquez, Victor Stuppi, Jesus Antonio Chavez-Bustamante, Karla Beatriz Prieto, Saul Lizarraga-Roldan and Marcos Abraham Sandoval-Lizarraga are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to import marijuana and importation of the drug.

Vasquez, Stuppi, Chavez-Bustamante, and Prieto, all of Douglas, and Lizarraga-Roldan, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, were scheduled for a hearing Jan. 11, but it is now set for March 13, according to online court records.

Stuppi’s attorney requested a 60-day continuance because the case is still under investigation.

The indictment alleges Vasquez conspired with the co-defendants to import marijuana through the Douglas Port of Entry while he was working an inspection lane.

It also alleges he knowingly allowed 547 kilograms of marijuana to pass through his inspection lane in a Chevrolet Avalanche on June 17, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Fuzzy wrote on Jan 28, 2012 11:28 PM:

    " Another slap in the face as judged by George magazine labeling Douglas as one of the top ten most corrupt cities in America. When will this cycle end in Douglas? As long as the powers that be exist---- NEVER!! "

    dH1887 wrote on Jan 20, 2012 8:30 PM:

    " Lets hope the Justice system moves swiftly and provides the justice they deserve. They were sworn to uphold the law and have a higher standard and should be sentenced accordingly. Lets get rid of the bad apples. Majority of the Officers are hard working and dedicated to their jobs and we don't need any distractions, so let justice be served and hopefully harshly so the bad apples will think twice. Keep up the good work CBP and hold your heads up high. We have a tough job but you take an oath and are expected to abide by the law. Also we need more community involvement with the youth and maybe we can make a differrence in their lives and give them hope of a better life. It really is a Thin Blue Line. "

    migrawatch wrote on Jan 19, 2012 11:29 AM:

    " I hope they get what they deserve "

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