Andrade, Ariz. - U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Andrade Port of Entry in California prevented more than 256 pounds of marijuana and 30 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of more than $359,000 from entering the U.S. in two separate occasions over the weekend.
On Oct. 22, at approximately 2:37 p.m., a 34-year-old male U.S. citizen from Roll, Ariz., driving a white 2001 Ford Windstar minivan applied for admission in to the U.S. and was referred for a secondary inspection. During the inspection a narcotics detector dog alerted to the vehicle. A more intensive inspection revealed a non-factory compartment in the floorboard of the vehicle concealing cocaine with an estimated street value of $242,861.
On Oct. 23, at approximately 5:39 p.m., a 47-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a white 1999 Ford F-350 pickup truck applied for admission in to the U.S. and was referred for a secondary inspection. During the inspection a narcotics detector dog alerted to the vehicle. A more intensive inspection revealed a non-factory compartment on the auxiliary fuel tank containing 33 plastic wrapped packages of marijuana with an estimated street value of $116,190.
"I am proud of the great work performed by these CBP officers," said Port Director Ray Nagy. "The combination and of manpower and technology is very effective in stopping the flow of dangerous narcotics from entering our communities."
In both incidents the narcotics and vehicles were seized by CBP and the drivers were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for prosecution.