TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Arizona’s Port of San Luis arrested two men involved in separate drug smuggling attempts during the 4th of July holiday weekend.
On Friday morning, officers referred a 46-year-old San Luis resident for further inspection of his Nissan sedan when he attempted to return to the United States. As a result, CBP officers working with a drug-detection canine discovered nearly 22 pounds of methamphetamine, worth approximately $66,000, concealed within the vehicle’s floor.
Tuesday, officers referred a 35-year-old Mexican national for an additional search of his Volkswagen sedan when he attempted to enter the United States. A CBP canine’s alert to the vehicle’s rear seat area led to the discovery of almost 8 pounds of meth, worth close to $23,000.
Officers arrested both subjects for narcotics smuggling and turned them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The drugs and vehicles were seized.
Federal law allows officers to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security 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.