Nogales, Ariz. - U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the DeConcini port of entry prevented more than 800 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of more than $700,000 from entering the United States while being concealed in trains in two separate occasions over the weekend.
On Oct. 15, at approximately 12:50 a.m., a commercial train with 63 cars entered the United States via the DeConcini port of entry rail gate. After becoming suspicious of the contents of a boxcar, a more thorough inspection was performed using a CBP narcotic detector dog which alerted to the presence of narcotics. Upon closer examination, CBP officers discovered 100 bundles of marijuana concealed inside boxes labeled as beer commingled within the shipment. The narcotics weighed more than 555 pounds with an estimated value of $472,000
On Oct. 17, at approximately 12:50 a.m., a commercial train with 83 cars entered the United States via the DeConcini port of entry rail gate. During the initial entry, all 83 cars were examined by a non-intrusive inspection and an anomaly was detected within one of the tanker cars. CBP officers responded to the Rio Rico Rail Yard to conduct a more thorough inspection with the assistance of a CBP narcotic detector dog and discovered bundles in black plastic bags inside the empty tanker car. CBP officers removed 13 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 278 pounds with an estimated value of $236,000.
Port Director Lupe Ramirez said stopping the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States requires CBP officers to remain vigilant at all times.
"The men and women who protect our communities by denying entry of criminals and contraband through the ports of entry are committed to excellence at all times," he said. "They always display a keen sense of observation whether it is at vehicle, pedestrian or rail crossings."
In both incidents no arrests were made and the narcotics were seized by CBP.