EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol, El Paso Sector agents broke up two separate drug smuggling attempts over the weekend.
Sunday afternoon, agents assigned to the Alamogordo Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 70, encountered two individuals in a black Chevrolet Malibu approaching the primary inspection area.
While conducting an immigration inspection, the agent’s canine alerted to the possible presence of narcotics in the vehicle. During further inspection, agents discovered various narcotics concealed in the back floorboard of the vehicle.
Agents seized 2.85 pounds of heroin hidden in a pancake mix box as well as smaller quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, two syringes and 14 pills that were hidden in a tool bag. The estimated street value for all items is more than $90,000.
Both subjects and the narcotics were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for prosecution.
A day earlier, Clint Border Patrol agents stopped another drug smuggling attempt. A Border Patrol horse patrol unit tracked two individuals approximately 10 miles west of the Tornillo Port of Entry. Agents located the two individuals and found two bundles of marijuana nearby.
The seizure netted nearly 63 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of more than $50,000. The drugs and violators were turned over to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for prosecution.
”El Paso Sector agents assigned to specialty units, such as the horse patrol and the canine program, have extensive specialized training and are highly dedicated in securing the border, in an effort to keep dangerous drugs away from our local communities”, said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @USBPChiefEPT and @CBPWestTexas.