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  4. Sneaky Smuggler Stashed Methamphetamine in Tennis Shoes

Sneaky Smuggler Stashed Methamphetamine in Tennis Shoes

Release Date
Wed, 07/08/2015

EL PASO, TEXAS -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 2.4 pounds of methamphetamine July 2. The drugs were concealed in the shoes of a pedestrian border crosser.

CBP officers find drugs in shoes

CBP officers find drugs in shoes

“Attention to detail demonstrated by CBP officers led to this seizure,” said Beverly Good, CBP El Paso Port Director.

The seizure was made just before 3:00 p.m. when a CBP officer working at the Paso Del Norte port of entry noticed that a pedestrian approaching the inspection area appeared to wearing bulky shoes. The CBP officer notified a coworker who escorted the subject to the secondary inspection area. The man was asked to remove his shoes at which point he told the CBP officer that he was carrying an unknown type of contraband in the sneakers. CBP officers continued their exam and located one bundle in each shoe. The contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine.

CBP officers arrested the pedestrian, driver, 51-year-old Carlos Fierro of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021