PRESIDIO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 1.3 pounds of crystal methamphetamine last week. The drugs were taped to the legs of a paraplegic man.
“Smugglers have no scruples when it comes to getting narcotics across the border,” said John Deputy, CBP Presidio Port Director. “It is unfortunate, but even individuals with disabilities can serve as an avenue to smuggle drugs.”
CBP officers discover cocaine filled bundles in cushion of rear seat.
The seizure was made just before 3:00 p.m. on Oct. 22 when a taxi carrying a lone male passenger made entry from Mexico. A CBP officer at the primary inspection booth noticed suspicious bulges on the passenger’s thighs and performed an immediate pat down. In secondary the passenger was assisted onto his wheelchair and escorted to a secure location. Two bundles were discovered taped to the thighs of the passenger. Each bundle contained two packages with the contents testing positive for the properties of methamphetamine.
CBP officers arrested 41-year-old Arturo Chavez Solis of Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt.
While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.