EL PASO, Texas – This past Sunday, U.S. Border Patrol Agents working at the U.S. 62/180 Immigration Checkpoint seized over $200,000 of marijuana.
On November 24, a Dodge Caravan bearing New Mexico license plates approached the immigration inspection station on US Highway 62/180 just east of El Paso, Texas. Agents became suspicious when routine questions seemed to make the driver unusually nervous. After agents received consent to search the vehicle, a canine service dog alerted to the possible presence of contraband.
A thorough search of the vehicle revealed numerous cellophane-wrapped bundles of marijuana hidden in a compartment in the passenger area floorboard of the minivan. Agents discovered more cellophane-wrapped bundles concealed inside black suitcases in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.
The seizure yielded a total of approximately 260 pounds of marijuana valued at over $200,000.
Both occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with the marijuana.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to these immigration checkpoints outside the El Paso area serve as the nation’s second line of defense in combating the distribution of illicit drugs into our communities.