SAN LUIS, ARIZ.—A Mexican national is in custody in connection with a failed attempt to smuggle more than 12 pounds of meth into the United States through the Port of San Luis on Monday.
Customs and Border Protection officers referred Victor Alfonso Payan-Beltran, 29, of San Luis, Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, for inspection of his Nissan sedan when he attempted to enter the U.S. After a CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle's frame and front bumper, officers removed 12 packages of meth valued at $192,665.
The drugs and vehicle were seized. Payan was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
Individuals arrested may be charged by complaint, the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity, which raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Customs and Border Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation's ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.