PRESIDIO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 89 pounds of marijuana Wednesday morning. The drugs were hidden in the rear quarter panel of a sport utility vehicle.
“CBP officers working at the Presidio port of entry utilize multiple resources in intercepting narcotics,” said Presidio Port Director Michael Neipert. “But it all begins with the officer and his interview skills to determine if a more thorough inspection is necessary.”
The drug seizure was made at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday when a 2011 Chevy HHR driven by a female U.S. citizen made entry. The primary officer referred the vehicle for an intensive inspection due to evidence of tampering in the interior walls of the vehicle. In secondary CBP officers initiated an examination of the vehicle by first utilizing the Z-Portal x-ray system. Anomalies were observed in the rear quarter panel of the vehicle and upon further inspection CBP officers discovered black taped bundles. Field-testing of the contents tested positive for the properties of marijuana. A total of 53 bundles were removed from the compartment
The 35-year-old driver was arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents to face federal prosecution for 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.