EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry made 12 drug busts during the Thanksgiving weekend. The activity included a heroin bust with a weight of 18.83 pounds, a two crystal methamphetamine busts with a weight of 1.10 lbs. and nine marijuana busts weighing 405 pounds. The estimated street value of all seized drugs is $385,660.
Nine packages of heroin concealed in the back rests of a rear seat of a vehicle
“While many area families were at home enjoying their holiday, CBP officers were busy protecting our nation at the ports of entry” said Hector Mancha, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations in El Paso.
The heroin seizure occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. Friday at the Bridge of the Americas when CBP officers discovered 9 packages concealed in the back rests of the rear seat of a vehicle. CBP personnel were examining vehicles that were waiting to approach the primary inspection station when CBP drug sniffing dog “Cesar” alerted to a 2006 Chevrolet HHR.
CBP arrested the driver of the vehicle, 32-year-old Yanel Caro Martinez of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
Two separate methamphetamine seizures were made in the pedestrian area of the Paso Del Norte international crossing Sunday when CBP drug sniffing dog “Drago” first alerted to a male at approximately 2:28 p.m. and later to a female at approximately 2:40 p.m. as CBP officers were screening pedestrians waiting to approach the primary inspection area. Both were escorted to a secondary interview area where pat downs were conducted. CBP officers found one taped wrapped bundle strapped to the groin area of the male and a bundle concealed in the abdominal area of the female concealed under clothing.
CBP arrested the pedestrian, 25-year-old Christian Daniel Reyes of El Paso, Texas. He was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
Bundle of methamphetamine concealed in the abdominal area of a female smuggler
CBP arrested the pedestrian, 19-year-old Sherline Berenice Salazar of El Paso, Texas. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
In addition to the drug busts, CBP officers working at ports of entry in El Paso, West Texas and New Mexico made a total of six seizures of agricultural items. Violators paid $1,425 in penalties in association with the violations. Prohibited food products seized included apples, tangerines, oranges and pork meat.
CBP officers working at area ports made a total of 15 fugitive apprehensions during the period.
CBP Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. 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.