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  4. Border Patrol Seizes $76,000 in Marijuana, Arrest Two Felons

Border Patrol Seizes $76,000 in Marijuana, Arrest Two Felons

Release Date
Tue, 10/04/2016

LAS CRUCES, N.M.–Agents from southern New Mexico overcame challenges this week that culminated into the seizure of illicit drugs and the arrest of two wanted felons.     

On Oct. 2, Las Cruces Agents assigned to the Checkpoint on Interstate 10 were conducting immigration inspections when a Toyota pick-up entered the inspection area. Agents became suspicious of the driver's mannerisms when he approached the inspection area.  Records checks revealed the vehicle was stolen, so the driver was referred to secondary inspection. The driver then accelerated away from the checkpoint at a high rate of speed, driving erratically in an attempt to evade agents. 

Subject and contraband seized in N.M.
Subject and contraband seized in N.M.

The New Mexico State Police were notified and assisted by successfully deploying a controlled tire-deflation device on the truck. The driver pulled over to a stop, but two subjects later identified as Anthony Loyd Moss and a juvenile relative, fled the vehicle on foot. After a short foot chase, both were taken into custody.

State Police officers advised that they would take custody of the juvenile. They subsequently turn him over to “New Mexico Child Protective Services”.  Records checks for Anthony Loyd Moss revealed that he and the juvenile relative are U.S. Citizens. Moss has an outstanding full-extradition warrant out of Speedwell, Tennessee for “felony theft of a vehicle.”  He also has an extensive criminal history including prior felony convictions for burglary, terroristic threats, and manufacturing/possession of methamphetamine.  The subject will remain in custody pending criminal prosecution.   

On September 28th, Agents used night-vision technology to find two subjects walking in the desert with large backpacks who crossed the border illegally. Agents closed in and attempted to capture them. One individual was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Agents located their backpacks which were partially hidden in the desert brush. The packs contained 96.20 pounds of marijuana, valued at $76,960. The contraband was transported to the Lordsburg Station, where DEA was contacted and agreed to take custody of 21-year-old Sergio Frias Ladarda, a Citizen of Mexico. The search is continuing today for his companion.

That same afternoon, Las Cruces Border Patrol Agents at the I-10 traffic checkpoint apprehended a wanted sex-offender. He is identified as 42-year-old Chris Wayne Cavalier. Cavalier was driving a white pick-up when agents noticed his strange mannerisms during questioning. Records checks were run on the man and his vehicle, and it was discovered he was a registered sex offender with an active warrant for “possession of child pornography”, out of Brazoria County, Texas.

The warrant was verified as being fully extraditable, and the New Mexico State Police Department was notified. They  arrived to the checkpoint and took custody of the driver. He is awaiting current extradition and criminal charges.   

These incidents demonstrates how vigilance by U.S. Border Patrol Agents and the ability to rapidly respond is helping stop the furtherance of dangerous criminals and illicit narcotics into our communities, while keeping our nation’s borders safe.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021