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  4. CBP Stops Smugglers With Internally Concealed Methamphetamine

CBP Stops Smugglers With Internally Concealed Methamphetamine

Release Date
Fri, 05/31/2019

EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 1.3 pounds of methamphetamine Thursday. The drugs were being smuggled across the border hidden by two female pedestrians.

“CBP officers are working hard to stop all contraband being smuggled across the border and will encounter any and all types of concealment methods when doing so,” said Beverly Good, CBP El Paso Port Director. “The various layers of enforcement we routinely employ helps CBP officers identify and stop contraband at the border.”

Recovered drug filled bundle.
Recovered drug filled bundle.

The seizure was made just before 1 a.m. Thursday when two U.S. citizen females entered the Ysleta port of entry from Mexico through the pedestrian lanes. CBP officers initiated an inspection and determined that there were anomalies present during the encounter. When questioned both females told CBP officers that they were hiding drugs internally.

CBP officers arrested 22-year-old Mayra Alejandra Casteneda Madrigal after recovering a 0.7 pound package of methamphetamine from her. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt.

CBP officers also arrested 32-year-old Laura Marie Rios after recovering a 0.6 pound package of methamphetamine from her. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt.

In addition to the methamphetamine seizure CBP officers working at El Paso area ports also made a 109-pound marijuana seizure and 0.3 pound heroin seizure Thursday.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021