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  4. USBP Seizes Nearly 40 Pounds of Cocaine

USBP Seizes Nearly 40 Pounds of Cocaine

Release Date
Tue, 11/13/2018

TUCSON, Ariz. – Nogales Station Border Patrol agents arrested a 53-year-old Nogales man Sunday morning after finding nearly 40 pounds of cocaine in his vehicle during an immigration inspection at the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint.

40 pounds of cocaine seized from inside a vehicle at Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint
40 pounds of cocaine seized from inside
a vehicle at Interstate 19 Immigration
Checkpoint

The man was referred for a secondary inspection after a U.S. Border Patrol canine alerted to an odor it is trained to detect. Agents subsequently discovered 16 packages of cocaine, weighing nearly 40 pounds combined, hidden within the Honda Accord’s rear quarter panels and driver’s-side back door.   

Agents arrested and charged the driver for drug smuggling. The drugs, worth approximately $435,000, and vehicle were seized and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life. 

Visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBP Arizona.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021