U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at El Paso area ports of entry seized a total of 127.3 pounds of methamphetamine in two separate incidents over the weekend.
"The drug smuggling threat remains consistent, and CBP is well equipped to identify and stop these drug loads before they reach our shared communities," said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations. "Every drug seizure CBP makes could potentially save the life of someone."
The first incident occurred on June 28 at the Ysleta international crossing. A 30-year-old female Mexican citizen driving a Chrysler Pacifica was stopped after a low-energy portal scan revealed anomalies in the vehicle's appearance. A CBP drug-sniffing dog detected narcotics during a sweep, leading officers to find 19 bundles of methamphetamine weighing 79.5 pounds hidden in the front bumper. The woman was arrested and handed over to the Texas Department of Public Safety for state charges.
The second incident took place on June 29 at the Bridge of the Americas international crossing. A 49-year-old female U.S. citizen driving a Honda Ridgeline was selected for further inspection after similar scan anomalies were detected. Officers found 40 bundles totaling 47.8 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the quarter panels following an alert from a drug-sniffing dog and subsequent x-ray confirmation. She was arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for federal charges under 21 U.S. Code § 952 - importation of controlled substances.
CBP emphasizes its role as America's frontline defense, with more than 65,000 personnel safeguarding national security through various measures including facilitating lawful travel and trade.
