EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Ysleta Port of Entry seized several bundles of methamphetamine and fentanyl strapped to the body of a 13-year-old boy. The boy and his two siblings were traveling with their mother.
The seizure was made just before 7 a.m. on October 21 when a 31-year-old United States citizen female was traveling into El Paso, Texas with her three minor children ages 13, 12 and 5. CBP Officers selected the vehicle for secondary inspection. During that inspection, a drug sniffing dog alerted to the presence of narcotics on the front passenger seat of the vehicle. CBP Officers noticed the boy that was seated there, a 13-year-old boy, had a square shaped item protruding from his back. CBP Officers discovered several bundles taped to the minor’s body.
“Smugglers will use any method they can to attempt to smuggle drugs,” said CBP Ysleta Port Director Arnoldo Gomez, “Unfortunately, in this case, a mother used her 13-year-old son in her attempt to deceive CBP Officers.”
The bundles contained 2.25 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.10 pounds of fentanyl. CBP Officers arrested the woman and she was turned over to authorities to face charges for the failed smuggling attempt. The three children were released to a family member.