San Luis, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Luis port of entry arrested a 24-year-old in connection with a failed drug smuggling attempt.
"This interception is attributed to excellent observations by the primary officer and other officers involved in this case, "said Port Director William K. Brooks.
On June 2, CBP officers processing travelers through the commercial gate encountered a 24-year-old man driving a Ford F-150 truck. The man was accompanied by two passengers and was referred for inspection by the primary officer.
During the inspection a narcotic detector dog was utilized and alerted the CBP officers to the gas tank area where more than 83 pounds of cocaine was discovered. The cocaine and vehicle were seized.
The man was immediately arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with his passengers.
CBP officers assigned throughout the Arizona ports have seized approximately 1,886 pounds of cocaine since the beginning of this 2010 fiscal year (October 2009). In fiscal year 2009 officers seized approximately 3,303 total pounds of cocaine.