ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – In separate incidents over the weekend, U.S. Border Patrol Agents arrested a wanted aggravated felon and a narcotics smuggler.
On August 6, U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Alamogordo immigration checkpoint on U.S. Highway 54, encountered a gray Jeep Patriot approaching the primary inspection area.
A Border Patrol canine alerted to the possible presence of narcotics during an immigration inspection. A further inspection of the vehicle revealed eight bundles concealed in different locations throughout the vehicle.
Over 17 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of almost $600,000 was seized.
The driver, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen male was placed under arrest and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration pending criminal prosecution.
In a separate incident August 5, Santa Teresa Border Patrol agents arrested a 42-year-old Mexican man who was illegally crossing into the United States. During record checks at the station, agents determined that the man had an active warrant for his arrest in relation to a 2002 probation violation for Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon by the Dallas Sheriff’s Office.
The Dallas Sheriff’s Department was contacted and confirmed extradition of the male subject. The individual was booked into the Hidalgo County Jail pending criminal prosecution.
“Our region is a rich environment that can be exploited by criminals”, said Chief Gloria Chavez of the El Paso Sector. “These types of narcotic seizures and arrests demonstrate the value of our border security mission everyday.”
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol are vigilant to safeguard our nation’s borders from individuals attempting to illegally cross into the United States. Among the individuals apprehended at the border some have prior criminal offenses or active warrants for aggravated assault offenses. Arresting these criminals assists in keep the citizens in our local communities and society safe.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @USBPChiefEPT and @CBPWestTexas