U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso seized 41.6 pounds of cocaine on January 9. The drugs were concealed within the quarter panels and dashboard of a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen.
"CBP officers remain vigilant in their efforts to stop any and all drug smugglers," stated acting CBP El Paso Port Director Arnie Gomez. "CBP officers will utilize multiple tools to stop drug loads."
The incident occurred shortly before 6 a.m., when a 1997 Lincoln Town Car, with only the driver inside, arrived from Mexico. A CBP officer at the primary inspection booth selected the car for further examination.
During the secondary inspection, CBP officers conducted a Z-Portal (x-ray) scan of the vehicle, which revealed anomalies. A subsequent physical examination led to the discovery of ten bundles filled with cocaine hidden in various compartments.
The driver was arrested and handed over to the Texas Department of Public Safety to face charges related to the smuggling attempt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is recognized as America's frontline defense, being both the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The agency's workforce exceeds 65,000 personnel who are tasked with protecting America across land, air, and sea domains while facilitating safe travel and trade to ensure economic prosperity. CBP emphasizes enhancing national security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
