El Paso, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the El Paso, Texas port of entry seized almost three pounds of methamphetamine Thursday night. The drugs were hidden on the body of a 47-year-old New Mexico woman.
"CBP officers remain vigilant knowing that at any moment they may be facing a drug smuggler," said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Port Director. "A smuggler may be male or female, young or old, walking or driving."
The seizure was made shortly after 6 p.m. when the woman entered the Ysleta international crossing as a pedestrian. CBP officers selected the traveler for a secondary examination. During the exam CBP officers located a suspicious package under her clothing. CBP officers found two methamphetamine-filled bundles hidden between her thighs held in place by an elastic girdle. The drugs weighed 2.86 pounds.
CBP officers took custody of the female, 47-year-old Irma Estela Herrera De Nunez of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. She was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt. She is currently detained at the El Paso County Jail being held without bond.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers' primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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.