EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the El Paso port of entry recorded numerous enforcement actions while processing thousands of travelers the last few days. Their efforts included 10 marijuana busts, one methamphetamine seizure, seven agriculture enforcement citations, nine NCIC arrests, four intellectual property rights seizures, and a southbound seizure of 100 rounds of smuggled 9mm ammunition.
“CBP officers perform a delicate balance of enforcing the laws of our nation while also maintaining the free flow of trade and travel,” said Beverly Good, CBP El Paso Port Director. “Border security is also economic security.”
CBP officers seized 908 pounds of marijuana in 10 cases. The largest recent drug seizure of the occurred early Friday afternoon at the Paso Del Norte international crossing. CBP officers selected a 1999 Dodge van for an x-ray inspection during which anomalies were spotted in the appearance of the floor of the vehicle. CBP officers continued their exam and located 180-drug-filled bundles in a hidden floor compartment. The drugs weighed 205 pounds.
CBP officers took custody of the driver, a 39-year-old female U.S. citizen. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents to face charges associated with the failed drug smuggling attempt.
While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.