$1.2 Million Marijuana Seizure at Nogales Port of Entry

NOGALES, AZ - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Mariposa Commercial Facility stopped an attempt to smuggle more than 1,600 pounds of marijuana hidden behind pallets of tomatoes in a tractor-trailer on the afternoon of March 8, 2006. CBP officers performing routine screening of all incoming shipments noticed discrepancies and decided to inspect the truck and contents. While working with CBP officers and CBP Agriculture Specialists to inspect the trailer, "Rocksey," a narcotics detector dog, alerted to the presence of narcotic odor. The pallets of tomatoes were removed from the trailer and bundles of marijuana were found hidden behind the pallets. A total of 67 bundles were found, weighing approximately 1,641 pounds. Street value on the marijuana is estimated at $1.2 million. The 2002 Volvo T3 tractor and trailer were seized along with the narcotics. The driver was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. CBP officers at the Douglas port of entry arrested a 37-year-old man from Agua Prieta on the evening of March 8 after they discovered 137 pounds of marijuana hidden inside the propane tank attached to a 1977 Chevy pickup. Officers selected the vehicle for inspection based on the nervous behavior of the driver. During the inspection, "Diggim," another narcotics detection dog, alerted to the odor of narcotics. The officers removed the tank and when they cut it open, found 123 packages of marijuana, worth approximately $103,000. The driver was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. CBP officers at the Naco port of entry arrested a 32-year-old man from Cananea on the morning of March 8 when they discovered 36 pounds of marijuana hidden in the quarter- panels of a 2000 Chevy sedan the man attempted to drive into the United States. The Office of Field Operations is responsible for operations at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers' primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.