Alamogordo, N.M. - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Alamogordo station in New Mexico arrested a drug smuggler and seized 78 pounds of marijuana valued at $62,400 on Wednesday.
During the evening hours of Dec. 12, agents conducting operations at the U.S. Highway 54 checkpoint arrested a Mexican citizen after a working canine alerted to his 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Further investigation revealed an aftermarket compartment located on the vehicle's firewall carrying 78 pounds of marijuana.
The narcotics, vehicle and subject were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.