ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – U.S. Border Patrol Agents stopped a drug smuggling attempt near Alamogordo Saturday night.
Border Patrol Agents assigned to the immigration checkpoint on U.S. Highway 54 encountered three passengers in a maroon Ford Mustang approaching the primary inspection area.
Pursuant to an immigration inspection, a canine search of the car indicated the possible presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Agents then discovered plastic and aluminum foil wrapped bundles concealed in the fender wells of the vehicle.
The narcotics tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed more than 22 pounds with an estimated street value of over $715,000. The driver and two passengers, all United States citizens, were placed under arrest. The subjects and drugs were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“I can’t emphasize enough the vital role that our agents, assisted by canines, play at our checkpoints as the secondary line of defense,” stated El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “The seizure of dangerous drugs attempting to be transported into the United States is crucial to border security.”
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @USBPChiefEPT and @CBPWestTexas.