ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – United States Border Patrol agents encountered two drug traffickers at an immigration checkpoint attempting to smuggle dangerous narcotics.
Friday evening, a vehicle with two people entered the primary inspection area at the Alamogordo Border Patrol Station immigration checkpoint on New Mexico Highway 54. While speaking to the driver, agents became suspicious due to conflicting information. The agents initiated a search and used a Border Patrol canine to further examine the vehicle. The canine alerted to the possible presence of narcotics in the trunk of the vehicle.
Agents continued the exam locating drug paraphernalia. They then focused on four antifreeze containers in the trunk. The containers were found to have 41 pounds of methamphetamine. The drugs were seized and both people arrested.
The Drug Enforcement Administration was contacted and took custody of the narcotics and one individual. The Otero County Sheriff’s Office accepted custody of the second subject who had active warrants out of Alamogordo and Ruidoso.
During the inspection and seizure an agent experienced difficulty breathing and impaired vision after exposure to the dangerous drugs. The agent was treated and released after being examined at a local hospital.
“Our agents face constant threats and dangers when dealing with smugglers and dangerous criminals who have no regard for human life.” stated El Paso Sector Chief Gloria I. Chavez. “Whether it is dangerous drugs or wanted criminals our agents stand firm in their commitment to protect our communities.”
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – United States Border Patrol agents arrested two suspected thieves Sunday evening.
Agents assigned to the Las Cruces Border Patrol immigration checkpoint on I-10 west of Las Cruces encountered an SUV headed westbound. Agents questioned the driver and soon discovered that the vehicle bearing Kentucky license plates was stolen. Both subjects were taken into custody and placed under arrest without further incident.
Agents contacted New Mexico State Police and both subjects were transferred to their custody.
The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol seek to disrupt the drug smuggling and other criminal operations conducted along the border and at immigration checkpoints within the United States. They aim to keep dangerous drugs and the criminal element out of the neighborhoods and communities where agents live and work.
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 Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @USBPChiefEPT and @CBPWestTexas.