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CBP arrests two marijuana smugglers at SENTRI lane

Release Date
Thu, 12/09/2010

El Paso, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) lane at the Stanton Street international bridge arrested two people in the last two days after finding drugs hidden in the vehicles they were driving.

"These seizures should serve as a reminder that SENTRI lane users are subject to full and complete CBP inspections and violators will be prosecuted to fullest extent possible," said William Molaski, U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso port director. "We have an absolute zero tolerance policy for violations in the SENTRI lane and we maintain the integrity of the program through random and targeted exams."

The most recent seizure was made Wednesday morning when the 33-year-old El Paso woman arrived at the primary inspection booth at the Stanton crossing. CBP officers selected the vehicle for an intensive exam and quickly located an anomaly in the appearance of the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. CBP drug sniffing dog "Haro" alerted to the vehicle so CBP officers continued their exam and located 38 marijuana-filled bundles in the dashboard. The weight of the drugs was 39.3 pounds.

CBP officers arrested U.S. citizen Raunice Reyes. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents and booked into the El Paso County Jail on importation of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance charges. CBP officers also revoked her SENTRI privileges.

The other seizure was made Tuesday afternoon when the 53-year-old El Paso woman arrived at the primary inspection booth at the Stanton crossing. CBP officers selected the 2007 Ford Edge for an intensive exam during which CBP drug sniffing dog "Haro" alerted to the presence of drugs. CBP officers continued their exam and located 27 marijuana-filled bundles in the doors and console of the car. The weight of the drugs was 31.8 pounds.

CBP officers arrested legal permanent resident Esther Ivon Navarro. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents and booked into the El Paso County Jail on importation of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance charges. CBP officers also revoked her SENTRI privileges.

"SENTRI users can expect CBP to trust but verify their trusted traveler status," said Molaski.

Anti-terror is the primary mission of CBP however thorough inspections at border ports of entry continue to generate impressive enforcement activity in all areas.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021