Saturday, September 18, 2010
Arizona Border Patrol Agents Seize 2 Tons of Marijuana in 24 Hours
Tucson, Ariz. - In two separate incidents in the past 24 hours, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo, Ariz. station seized marijuana with a combined weight of approximately 4,000 pounds and an estimated value exceeding $3.1 million. Agents from Ajo's all-terrain vehicle unit were tracking footprints of suspected illegal aliens when they discovered abandoned bundles of marijuana fashioned into backpacks. (more)
CBP Officers in Sault Ste Marie Remember 9/11
Sault Ste Marie, Mich. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations honored the heroes and victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks today with a moment of silence.
“We mark this anniversary by remembering the innocent men, women, and children, from over 90 nations, as well as the brave firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens who were victims of the attack. None of us will ever forget the horror, the anger, or the pain of that day. U.S. Customs employees in New York who worked at 6 World Trade Center Building were at the heart of the attacks. While all our employees escaped the building before it was destroyed when the twin towers fell, our lives like all other Americans, changed forever,” said Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersi
At 9:05 am the officers stopped their duties and faced the American flag while the electronic signage overhead was changed to recognize United Flight 93, The Pentagon, and World Trade Center Towers One and Two.
“A moment to remember, to reflect, to reinforce why our mission is so important. It is truly humbling to be able to do this and to be able to help protect the United States as a part of America’s front line,” said Port Director Devin Chamberlain.
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.
“We mark this anniversary by remembering the innocent men, women, and children, from over 90 nations, as well as the brave firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens who were victims of the attack. None of us will ever forget the horror, the anger, or the pain of that day. U.S. Customs employees in New York who worked at 6 World Trade Center Building were at the heart of the attacks. While all our employees escaped the building before it was destroyed when the twin towers fell, our lives like all other Americans, changed forever,” said Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersi
At 9:05 am the officers stopped their duties and faced the American flag while the electronic signage overhead was changed to recognize United Flight 93, The Pentagon, and World Trade Center Towers One and Two.
“A moment to remember, to reflect, to reinforce why our mission is so important. It is truly humbling to be able to do this and to be able to help protect the United States as a part of America’s front line,” said Port Director Devin Chamberlain.
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.
Automobile Accident with Personal Injury: Rochester Road
Automobile Accident with Personal Injury
Use caution in area. If possible avoid area.
Use caution in area. If possible avoid area.
Miami Sector Border Patrol Employees Help Restock Community Food Bank Pantries
Pembroke Pines, Fla. — Miami Sector Border Patrol employees donated 2,758 lbs of non-perishable food items to help restock community food bank pantries in Fla. The donation is part of the second annual Feds Feed Families food drive held during the summer months of June, July and August.
“During this time of economic hardship for many families, children and individuals, we want to help those who are struggling with hunger in our communities,” said Miami Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew A. Zetts. “The Feds Feed Families food drive comes at a critical time when donations to food banks are tapering off, and this is one way for our agency to help the communities we serve.”
Food banks across the country are reporting record numbers of visitors seeking food assistance. Local food banks serve an important role in providing relief to those in need, and are also asked to provide immediate relief to those impacted by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.
Florida community food bank recipients include Keys Area Interdenominational Resources in Marathon; The Lord’s Place in West Palm Beach; Feeding America in Pembroke Park; Second Harvest Food Bank in Jacksonville; Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa; and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Orlando.
“During this time of economic hardship for many families, children and individuals, we want to help those who are struggling with hunger in our communities,” said Miami Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew A. Zetts. “The Feds Feed Families food drive comes at a critical time when donations to food banks are tapering off, and this is one way for our agency to help the communities we serve.”
Food banks across the country are reporting record numbers of visitors seeking food assistance. Local food banks serve an important role in providing relief to those in need, and are also asked to provide immediate relief to those impacted by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.
Florida community food bank recipients include Keys Area Interdenominational Resources in Marathon; The Lord’s Place in West Palm Beach; Feeding America in Pembroke Park; Second Harvest Food Bank in Jacksonville; Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa; and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Orlando.
CBP Officers Seize Marijuana over One Weekend Period
Seizures Took Place From Tucson to Yuma
Tucson, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers (CBP) in Arizona made several drug seizures of marijuana over this past weekend totaling almost 180 pounds with an estimated street valued of more than $334,000.
On Friday at approximately 5 p.m., CBP officers at the Nogales DeConcini port of entry referred a 30-year-old male U.S. Citizen who is a Nogales resident for a further inspection of his Maroon 2001 Mazda sedan. The man told officers he had just purchased the vehicle in Nogales, Sonora Mexico and was planning to drive it to the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles to register it. The secondary inspection led to the discovery of several non-factory compartments which could be used to smuggle drugs. Although there were no drugs discovered inside the vehicle, it was turned over to the Metro Task Force in Santa Cruz County.
On Saturday at approximately 7 p.m., CBP officers at the Douglas port of entry referred a 32-year-old female Mexican national driving a 1991 Gray Ford sedan for a secondary inspection. During the search, officers removed a speaker cover from the inside of the vehicle and located several brown packages containing marijuana. A narcotics detection dog alerted to additional packages containing marijuana concealed inside the front and back bumpers. A total of 54 packages weighing more than 78 pounds. The woman was arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for prosecution.
On Saturday at approximately 8:30 p.m., CBP officers at the San Luis port of entry stopped an 18-year-old male U.S. citizen Yuma resident who appeared to be walking in a strange manner through the pedestrian lanes. The subject was questioned and a routine pat down inspection was performed. During the pat down CBP officers discovered four vacuum sealed packages taped to his thighs and ankles weighing. The man and the drugs were turned over to San Luis, Ariz. Department of Police for prosecution.
Also on Sunday, at about 8:30 a.m., CBP officers at the San Luis port of entry referred a 38-year-old female U. S. citizen from Yuma, Ariz. for a secondary inspection. During the search of her silver 2004 KIA sedan, officers located a total of eight packages of marijuana, weighing more than 31 pounds. The drugs and vehicle were seized and the woman was turned over to ICE for prosecution.
On Sunday at approximately 12 p.m., CBP officers were screening travelers in the inbound lanes from Mexico into the United States at the Mariposa port of entry in Nogales, Ariz. A 33-year old female Mexico national was directed to a secondary search of her Oldsmobile sedan. A search of the dash and firewall areas led to the discovery of 15 packages of marijuana in a non-factory compartment in the dashboard. The total weight was 21 pounds. The drugs and vehicle were seized. The woman was arrested and turned over to ICE for prosecution.
On Sunday, at approximately 3:30 p.m., CBP officers at the Nogales DeConcini port of entry referred a Dodge SUV with a family of four Mexican nationals for a secondary inspection. Once the family was escorted into the waiting area, the subsequent inspection led to the discovery of 27 packages of marijuana inside the gas tank. The mother and father were placed under arrest and turned over to ICE for prosecution. Their 22-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter were allowed to return to Mexico. The drugs and vehicle were seized.
“Securing our Nation’s Borders is a full-time job that we take very seriously,” said Tucson Director of Field Operations David Higgerson. “Our officers are committed to improving the quality of life along our border with Mexico. The certainty of arrest is higher than ever before, as CBP remains vigilant as guardians of our nation’s borders.”
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Office of Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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.
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.
Tucson, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers (CBP) in Arizona made several drug seizures of marijuana over this past weekend totaling almost 180 pounds with an estimated street valued of more than $334,000.
On Friday at approximately 5 p.m., CBP officers at the Nogales DeConcini port of entry referred a 30-year-old male U.S. Citizen who is a Nogales resident for a further inspection of his Maroon 2001 Mazda sedan. The man told officers he had just purchased the vehicle in Nogales, Sonora Mexico and was planning to drive it to the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles to register it. The secondary inspection led to the discovery of several non-factory compartments which could be used to smuggle drugs. Although there were no drugs discovered inside the vehicle, it was turned over to the Metro Task Force in Santa Cruz County.
On Saturday at approximately 7 p.m., CBP officers at the Douglas port of entry referred a 32-year-old female Mexican national driving a 1991 Gray Ford sedan for a secondary inspection. During the search, officers removed a speaker cover from the inside of the vehicle and located several brown packages containing marijuana. A narcotics detection dog alerted to additional packages containing marijuana concealed inside the front and back bumpers. A total of 54 packages weighing more than 78 pounds. The woman was arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for prosecution.
On Saturday at approximately 8:30 p.m., CBP officers at the San Luis port of entry stopped an 18-year-old male U.S. citizen Yuma resident who appeared to be walking in a strange manner through the pedestrian lanes. The subject was questioned and a routine pat down inspection was performed. During the pat down CBP officers discovered four vacuum sealed packages taped to his thighs and ankles weighing. The man and the drugs were turned over to San Luis, Ariz. Department of Police for prosecution.
Also on Sunday, at about 8:30 a.m., CBP officers at the San Luis port of entry referred a 38-year-old female U. S. citizen from Yuma, Ariz. for a secondary inspection. During the search of her silver 2004 KIA sedan, officers located a total of eight packages of marijuana, weighing more than 31 pounds. The drugs and vehicle were seized and the woman was turned over to ICE for prosecution.
On Sunday at approximately 12 p.m., CBP officers were screening travelers in the inbound lanes from Mexico into the United States at the Mariposa port of entry in Nogales, Ariz. A 33-year old female Mexico national was directed to a secondary search of her Oldsmobile sedan. A search of the dash and firewall areas led to the discovery of 15 packages of marijuana in a non-factory compartment in the dashboard. The total weight was 21 pounds. The drugs and vehicle were seized. The woman was arrested and turned over to ICE for prosecution.
On Sunday, at approximately 3:30 p.m., CBP officers at the Nogales DeConcini port of entry referred a Dodge SUV with a family of four Mexican nationals for a secondary inspection. Once the family was escorted into the waiting area, the subsequent inspection led to the discovery of 27 packages of marijuana inside the gas tank. The mother and father were placed under arrest and turned over to ICE for prosecution. Their 22-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter were allowed to return to Mexico. The drugs and vehicle were seized.
“Securing our Nation’s Borders is a full-time job that we take very seriously,” said Tucson Director of Field Operations David Higgerson. “Our officers are committed to improving the quality of life along our border with Mexico. The certainty of arrest is higher than ever before, as CBP remains vigilant as guardians of our nation’s borders.”
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Office of Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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.
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.
CBP Officers Stop Illegal Exportation of $130K in Currency at the Naco Port of Entry
Naco, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stopped an illegal exportation of currency when CBP officers conducting outbound operations selected a father and son for inspection. Further investigation revealed both were attempting to smuggle $130,000 out of the U.S.
On Sept. 13, at approximately 8 p.m., CBP officers were screening travelers going into Mexico as part of an outbound operation. The CBP officers selected a 2007 Ford Lobo occupied by a 45-year-old father and his 19-year-old son. The father was a Mexican national and resident of Naco, Sonora, Mexico and the son was a United States citizen and resident of Naco, Ariz.
CBP officers seized the undeclared currency and both men were turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation. Prosecution was accepted on charges of Attempting to Smuggle Bulk Currency.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
The Office of Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is
CBP Seizes More Than $735,000 in Undeclared Currency at Nogales Port of Entry
Nogales, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stopped the illegal exportation of more than $735,000 while screening traffic going into Mexico.
These bundles hold a total of $125,000 that was intercepted by CBP officers.
On Sept. 13, at approximately about 8 p.m., CBP officers were screening traffic going into Mexico as part of southbound operations. The officers selected a Dodge Attitude driven by a 30-year-old man from Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico for inspection. CBP officers searched the vehicle and discovered several bundles of money hidden in the passenger side door. The search resulted in 14 bundles of U.S. currency totaling more than $350,000.
A few minutes later, CBP officers stopped a Mazda MPV being driven by a 61-year-old man from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico for inspection. A vehicle search revealed several bundles of money hidden in the passenger side door. The search resulted in seven bundles of U.S. currency totaling more than $125,000.
Earlier in the month, CBP officers conducted two other seizures. The first seizure was being taken out of the country strapped to a California woman’s body totaling more than $64,000. The other seizure was more than $196,000 being smuggled into Mexico by a Phoenix, Ariz. man. The currency was concealed in the spare tire of the vehicle he was operating.
In all cases, CBP Officers seized the illegal currency and vehicles. All violators were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further questioning.
Officers found $350,000 hidden inside this car door during outbound inspections
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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.
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.
These bundles hold a total of $125,000 that was intercepted by CBP officers.
On Sept. 13, at approximately about 8 p.m., CBP officers were screening traffic going into Mexico as part of southbound operations. The officers selected a Dodge Attitude driven by a 30-year-old man from Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico for inspection. CBP officers searched the vehicle and discovered several bundles of money hidden in the passenger side door. The search resulted in 14 bundles of U.S. currency totaling more than $350,000.
A few minutes later, CBP officers stopped a Mazda MPV being driven by a 61-year-old man from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico for inspection. A vehicle search revealed several bundles of money hidden in the passenger side door. The search resulted in seven bundles of U.S. currency totaling more than $125,000.
Earlier in the month, CBP officers conducted two other seizures. The first seizure was being taken out of the country strapped to a California woman’s body totaling more than $64,000. The other seizure was more than $196,000 being smuggled into Mexico by a Phoenix, Ariz. man. The currency was concealed in the spare tire of the vehicle he was operating.
In all cases, CBP Officers seized the illegal currency and vehicles. All violators were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further questioning.
Officers found $350,000 hidden inside this car door during outbound inspections
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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.
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.
Sleeping Children, Infant Seat Used to Conceal Illegal Immigration Attempt at San Diego Border Crossing
San Diego — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers Monday stopped an illegal immigration attempt at the San Ysidro port of entry, finding a Mexican woman concealed under the back seat of a car, with an infant seat and sleeping children on top of the hidden seat compartment.
Hidden under the rear seat, covered with blankets and a child’s carseat, is a compartment with an illegal immigrant inside.
At about 6 a.m. a 26-year-old female U.S. citizen, and resident of Tijuana, drove a red 1996 Ford Thunderbird to the border crossing with her two sons in the car with her, apparently asleep.
The CBP officer referred the car and occupants for further inspection, where officers discovered a woman hidden in a hollowed-out area under the vehicle’s back seat.
The woman, a Mexican citizen with no legal ability to enter the U.S., will be a material witness.
CBP officers seized the vehicle and arrested the driver; she is currently being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and will face federal charges. Her two sons were turned over to a relative.
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.
Sleeping Children, Infant Seat Used to Conceal Illegal Immigration Attempt at San Diego Border Crossing
Sleeping Children, Infant Seat Used to Conceal Illegal Immigration Attempt at San Diego Border Crossing
San Diego — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers Monday stopped an illegal immigration attempt at the San Ysidro port of entry, finding a Mexican woman concealed under the back seat of a car, with an infant seat and sleeping children on top of the hidden seat compartment.
Hidden under the rear seat, covered with blankets and a child’s carseat, is a compartment with an illegal immigrant inside.
At about 6 a.m. a 26-year-old female U.S. citizen, and resident of Tijuana, drove a red 1996 Ford Thunderbird to the border crossing with her two sons in the car with her, apparently asleep.
The CBP officer referred the car and occupants for further inspection, where officers discovered a woman hidden in a hollowed-out area under the vehicle’s back seat.
The woman, a Mexican citizen with no legal ability to enter the U.S., will be a material witness.
CBP officers seized the vehicle and arrested the driver; she is currently being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and will face federal charges. Her two sons were turned over to a relative.
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.
San Diego — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers Monday stopped an illegal immigration attempt at the San Ysidro port of entry, finding a Mexican woman concealed under the back seat of a car, with an infant seat and sleeping children on top of the hidden seat compartment.
Hidden under the rear seat, covered with blankets and a child’s carseat, is a compartment with an illegal immigrant inside.
At about 6 a.m. a 26-year-old female U.S. citizen, and resident of Tijuana, drove a red 1996 Ford Thunderbird to the border crossing with her two sons in the car with her, apparently asleep.
The CBP officer referred the car and occupants for further inspection, where officers discovered a woman hidden in a hollowed-out area under the vehicle’s back seat.
The woman, a Mexican citizen with no legal ability to enter the U.S., will be a material witness.
CBP officers seized the vehicle and arrested the driver; she is currently being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and will face federal charges. Her two sons were turned over to a relative.
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.
CBP Officers in El Paso Seize 800+ Pounds of Marijuana
El Paso, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 809 pounds of marijuana Monday. The drugs were concealed in a commercial bus that arrived at the port from Mexico.
The seizure was made shortly before 4:00 a.m. when a 1996 Dina Marcopolo passenger bus arrived at the Bridge of the Americas port of entry. CBP officers initiated an examination of the bus during which CBP drug sniffing dog “Chip” alerted to the vehicle. CBP officers x-rayed the bus and spotted an anomaly in the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit. CBP officers drilled into the ceiling unit producing a green substance that tested positive for marijuana. CBP officers removed a total of 714 marijuana-filled bundles from the bus.
“This CBP drug seizure struck a blow against a smuggling organization on multiple levels,” said William Molaski, CBP El Paso port director. “Not only did the organization lose a sizeable drug load but also the use of a significant asset in the form of a commercial bus.”
CBP officers took custody of the driver, a 48-year-old Mexican male from Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico. He was turned over to the El Paso Police Department for local prosecution. The vehicle and marijuana were also turned over to the police department. There were no passengers on the bus.
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.
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.
The seizure was made shortly before 4:00 a.m. when a 1996 Dina Marcopolo passenger bus arrived at the Bridge of the Americas port of entry. CBP officers initiated an examination of the bus during which CBP drug sniffing dog “Chip” alerted to the vehicle. CBP officers x-rayed the bus and spotted an anomaly in the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit. CBP officers drilled into the ceiling unit producing a green substance that tested positive for marijuana. CBP officers removed a total of 714 marijuana-filled bundles from the bus.
“This CBP drug seizure struck a blow against a smuggling organization on multiple levels,” said William Molaski, CBP El Paso port director. “Not only did the organization lose a sizeable drug load but also the use of a significant asset in the form of a commercial bus.”
CBP officers took custody of the driver, a 48-year-old Mexican male from Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico. He was turned over to the El Paso Police Department for local prosecution. The vehicle and marijuana were also turned over to the police department. There were no passengers on the bus.
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.
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.
Falfurrias Agents Rescue 2 Illegal Aliens from Car Trunk
Falfurrias, Texas — Agents assigned to the Falfurrias Border Patrol Station rescued two illegal aliens from the trunk of a car Tuesday.
The event transpired when agents manning the Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 281, south of Falfurrias, performed an immigration inspection on the driver of a blue Pontiac sedan. During the inspection, a Border Patrol K-9 team detected the possible presence of hidden people or the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle.
On August 14, agents assigned to the Falfurrias Border Patrol Station rescued two illegal aliens from the trunk of a car while manning the Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 28, south of Falfurrias.
When agents opened the vehicle’s trunk they discovered two women of Mexican nationality within.
Other than being subjected to extreme heat and cramped conditions, the women were reported to be in good health. Both females were taken into custody and will be processed for removal to their country of origin.
“Illegal aliens continue to be unwary of the risks they take when attempting to further their migration north,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Ricardo E. Aguirre. “There are numerous possibilities of this incident having resulted in the death of these women, from a rear-end collision to carbon monoxide poisoning. Falfurrias agents did an excellent job in detecting and preventing these women from facing the possibility of death. This goes to show that checkpoints are not only effective in stemming the flow of illegal drugs but in saving lives.”
The event transpired when agents manning the Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 281, south of Falfurrias, performed an immigration inspection on the driver of a blue Pontiac sedan. During the inspection, a Border Patrol K-9 team detected the possible presence of hidden people or the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle.
On August 14, agents assigned to the Falfurrias Border Patrol Station rescued two illegal aliens from the trunk of a car while manning the Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 28, south of Falfurrias.
When agents opened the vehicle’s trunk they discovered two women of Mexican nationality within.
Other than being subjected to extreme heat and cramped conditions, the women were reported to be in good health. Both females were taken into custody and will be processed for removal to their country of origin.
“Illegal aliens continue to be unwary of the risks they take when attempting to further their migration north,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Ricardo E. Aguirre. “There are numerous possibilities of this incident having resulted in the death of these women, from a rear-end collision to carbon monoxide poisoning. Falfurrias agents did an excellent job in detecting and preventing these women from facing the possibility of death. This goes to show that checkpoints are not only effective in stemming the flow of illegal drugs but in saving lives.”
Border Patrol’s Marfa Station Agents Nab 845 Pounds of Marijuana
Marfa, Texas – Border Patrol agents from the Marfa Sector seized 845 pounds of marijuana hidden in an auxiliary gas tank at the Highway 67 Checkpoint south of Marfa Wednesday, September 15. The discovery occurred during an immigration check about 9 a.m.
The driver of the pickup truck was a U.S. Citizen from Midland.
The drugs were hidden in metal containers located in an auxiliary fuel tank also loaded with diesel fuel in the bed of the pickup.
The driver, the vehicle and marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
The driver of the pickup truck was a U.S. Citizen from Midland.
The drugs were hidden in metal containers located in an auxiliary fuel tank also loaded with diesel fuel in the bed of the pickup.
The driver, the vehicle and marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
Covert Marijuana Growing Operation Foiled by U.S. Border Patrol
Agents discover 365 illegal plants in secluded Temecula canyon
Temecula, Calif. — Earlier this week, U.S. Border Patrol agents eradicated 365 marijuana plants growing outdoors in a secluded canyon near Temecula, Calif.
The discovery took place on Tuesday at about 2 p.m., as agents were conducting patrol duties near De Luz Canyon, which is located in an unincorporated area near Calle La Paz. While inspecting a foot trail in the canyon that appeared to be heavily used, the agents came across the illegal plants, an irrigation system and cultivating equipment. No arrests have been made in connection with the discovery.
The eradicated plants had the potential to produce an estimated $1,277,500 worth of marijuana. The plants were ultimately turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Last month, agents eradicated more than 1,000 marijuana plants from similar growing operations in Rainbow and Bonsall, Calif.
Temecula, Calif. — Earlier this week, U.S. Border Patrol agents eradicated 365 marijuana plants growing outdoors in a secluded canyon near Temecula, Calif.
The discovery took place on Tuesday at about 2 p.m., as agents were conducting patrol duties near De Luz Canyon, which is located in an unincorporated area near Calle La Paz. While inspecting a foot trail in the canyon that appeared to be heavily used, the agents came across the illegal plants, an irrigation system and cultivating equipment. No arrests have been made in connection with the discovery.
The eradicated plants had the potential to produce an estimated $1,277,500 worth of marijuana. The plants were ultimately turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Last month, agents eradicated more than 1,000 marijuana plants from similar growing operations in Rainbow and Bonsall, Calif.
Cocaine and Marijuana Smuggling Attempts Intercepted at Calexico Ports of Entry
Calexico, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico ports of entry yesterday seized $163,000 worth of narcotics in two separate incidents.
The first seizure occurred at about 10:30 a.m. at the downtown border station when officers with the port’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) escorted a 22-year-old male Mexican citizen to the secondary inspection area after a detector dog alerted to the 1993 Jeep Wrangler he was driving.
An intensive inspection of the Wrangler led officers to the discovery of six wrapped packages of cocaine concealed inside a specially built metal compartment affixed to the undercarriage of the vehicle. Weight of the narcotic was 12 pounds with a street value of $96,000.
The driver, a resident of Ensenada, Baja California, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling and turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The second seizure occurred four hours later at the East port of entry after a CBP officer referred a
25-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a green 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a more in-depth investigation.
Canine screening and utilization of x-ray equipment led officers to the discovery of 28 wrapped packages of marijuana concealed inside the vehicle’s gas tank. The weight of the narcotic was 67 pounds with a street value of $67,000.
The driver, a resident of Mexicali, Baja California, was arrested and turned over to the custody of ICE agents for further processing.
CBP placed immigration holds on the Mexican citizens to initiate removal from the United States at the conclusion of their criminal proceedings. In both incidents, CBP seized the narcotics and vehicles.
The first seizure occurred at about 10:30 a.m. at the downtown border station when officers with the port’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) escorted a 22-year-old male Mexican citizen to the secondary inspection area after a detector dog alerted to the 1993 Jeep Wrangler he was driving.
An intensive inspection of the Wrangler led officers to the discovery of six wrapped packages of cocaine concealed inside a specially built metal compartment affixed to the undercarriage of the vehicle. Weight of the narcotic was 12 pounds with a street value of $96,000.
The driver, a resident of Ensenada, Baja California, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling and turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The second seizure occurred four hours later at the East port of entry after a CBP officer referred a
25-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a green 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a more in-depth investigation.
Canine screening and utilization of x-ray equipment led officers to the discovery of 28 wrapped packages of marijuana concealed inside the vehicle’s gas tank. The weight of the narcotic was 67 pounds with a street value of $67,000.
The driver, a resident of Mexicali, Baja California, was arrested and turned over to the custody of ICE agents for further processing.
CBP placed immigration holds on the Mexican citizens to initiate removal from the United States at the conclusion of their criminal proceedings. In both incidents, CBP seized the narcotics and vehicles.
Border Patrol Agents Seize 700 Pounds of Marijuana
Vigilance and Determination Continue to Yield Results
Tucson Sector agents, in two separate incidents, seized more than 700 pounds of marijuana yesterday with an estimated value close to $600,000.
The majority of marijuana was discovered near the Patagonia Mountains when agents assigned to the Sonoita Station began a tracking operation after finding footprints of several suspected illegal aliens. Agents followed the foot sign for two hours until they located 14 bundles of marijuana hidden in the brush.
Agents searched the area and found two subjects in connection with the marijuana. The subjects and marijuana were transported to the Sonoita Station for processing. The marijuana, weighing more than 600 pounds, has an estimated value of $530,000.
In a separate incident, agents assigned to the Nogales Station located an abandoned vehicle near the Interstate 19 checkpoint with five small bundles of marijuana inside. Agents searched the area but were unable to find anyone in connection to the vehicle. The marijuana, weighing more than 75 pounds and having an estimated value $63,000, and vehicle were taken to the Nogales Station for processing.
Since the interim checkpoint opened on Interstate 19, the Border Patrol has made it more difficult for smuggling organizations to operate. Traditional tracking methods also continue to be one of the more effective tools used by Border Patrol agents in the field. From Oct. 1, 2009, to August 31, 2010, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol seized more than 940,000 pounds of marijuana worth more than $750 million.
Tucson Sector agents, in two separate incidents, seized more than 700 pounds of marijuana yesterday with an estimated value close to $600,000.
The majority of marijuana was discovered near the Patagonia Mountains when agents assigned to the Sonoita Station began a tracking operation after finding footprints of several suspected illegal aliens. Agents followed the foot sign for two hours until they located 14 bundles of marijuana hidden in the brush.
Agents searched the area and found two subjects in connection with the marijuana. The subjects and marijuana were transported to the Sonoita Station for processing. The marijuana, weighing more than 600 pounds, has an estimated value of $530,000.
In a separate incident, agents assigned to the Nogales Station located an abandoned vehicle near the Interstate 19 checkpoint with five small bundles of marijuana inside. Agents searched the area but were unable to find anyone in connection to the vehicle. The marijuana, weighing more than 75 pounds and having an estimated value $63,000, and vehicle were taken to the Nogales Station for processing.
Since the interim checkpoint opened on Interstate 19, the Border Patrol has made it more difficult for smuggling organizations to operate. Traditional tracking methods also continue to be one of the more effective tools used by Border Patrol agents in the field. From Oct. 1, 2009, to August 31, 2010, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol seized more than 940,000 pounds of marijuana worth more than $750 million.
Agricultural Pests Stopped at Arizona Port of Entry
Nogales, Ariz. — In less than a month, Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working the Mariposa cargo facility discovered three significant pests, two of which have never before been found in the United States, and the third of which has only been found once before.
“Exciting interceptions of these types are exactly what keeps Nogales CBP agriculture specialists motivated each and every day to protect our nation from invasion by harmful foreign insects as well as plant and animal diseases,” said Port Director Guadalulpe Ramirez.
On August 11th, CBP agriculture specialists inspecting commercial importations discovered an adult weevil, (Curculionidae), with pineapples and Persian limes from Mexico. The specimen was forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Identification Services for identification and a final report was returned that confirmed the identification of this quarantine significant pest. This is the first time this pest has been intercepted at a port of entry according to available records in the Pest Identification Database. Pantomorus uniformis is generally known to occur in southern Mexico and northern Central America.
On September 6th, CBP agriculture specialists inspecting commercial importations discovered an adult Hemipteran insect, Calocorisca tenera (Miridae), with tomatoes from Mexico. Normally, tomatoes from Mexico are considered to be low risk for the introduction of pests of concern. However, most of the insects in this family are agricultural pests that cause damage to crops by piercing plant tissues and feeding on the juices. This is the first time this pest has been intercepted at a port of entry from Mexico according to available records in the Pest Identification Database.
Within minutes of this interception, another Nogales CBP agriculture specialist discovered two adult shield bugs, Euschistus crenator subsp. orbiculator (Pentantomidae), on a commercial shipment of fresh corn entering from Mexico. The nymphs and adults have piercing mouthparts which most use to suck sap from plants, although some eat other insects. This is the first time this pest has been intercepted at a port of entry according to available records in the Pest Identification Database.
CBP agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in agricultural and biological inspection. Their historic mission of preventing the introduction of harmful plant pests into the United States provides CBP with the expertise to recognize and prevent the entry of organisms that could potentially devastate entire segments of our agriculture-related economy.
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.
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.
“Exciting interceptions of these types are exactly what keeps Nogales CBP agriculture specialists motivated each and every day to protect our nation from invasion by harmful foreign insects as well as plant and animal diseases,” said Port Director Guadalulpe Ramirez.
On August 11th, CBP agriculture specialists inspecting commercial importations discovered an adult weevil, (Curculionidae), with pineapples and Persian limes from Mexico. The specimen was forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Identification Services for identification and a final report was returned that confirmed the identification of this quarantine significant pest. This is the first time this pest has been intercepted at a port of entry according to available records in the Pest Identification Database. Pantomorus uniformis is generally known to occur in southern Mexico and northern Central America.
On September 6th, CBP agriculture specialists inspecting commercial importations discovered an adult Hemipteran insect, Calocorisca tenera (Miridae), with tomatoes from Mexico. Normally, tomatoes from Mexico are considered to be low risk for the introduction of pests of concern. However, most of the insects in this family are agricultural pests that cause damage to crops by piercing plant tissues and feeding on the juices. This is the first time this pest has been intercepted at a port of entry from Mexico according to available records in the Pest Identification Database.
Within minutes of this interception, another Nogales CBP agriculture specialist discovered two adult shield bugs, Euschistus crenator subsp. orbiculator (Pentantomidae), on a commercial shipment of fresh corn entering from Mexico. The nymphs and adults have piercing mouthparts which most use to suck sap from plants, although some eat other insects. This is the first time this pest has been intercepted at a port of entry according to available records in the Pest Identification Database.
CBP agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in agricultural and biological inspection. Their historic mission of preventing the introduction of harmful plant pests into the United States provides CBP with the expertise to recognize and prevent the entry of organisms that could potentially devastate entire segments of our agriculture-related economy.
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.
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.
CBP Personnel Working Southbound Operations at Texas International Bridge Seize $245,000 in Cash
Hidalgo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents working southbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized close to $245,000 in U.S. bulk cash. (more info)
On September 15, CBP officers and agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a southbound 1999 Chevy Suburban and its driver, a 33-year-old Mexican citizen from Gainesville, Georgia. The vehicle was traveling south, headed into Mexico. CBP officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents referred the vehicle to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized 43 packages containing bulk U.S. currency that were found hidden within the vehicle. The Suburban was also seized by CBP.
The southbound male traveler was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement–Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
Hector A. Mancha, CBP Port Director, Hidalgo-Pharr said, “In the course of conducting outbound examinations, our frontline officers have the legal authority to seize merchandise that is being exported contrary to law.” Mancha further said, “This is a significant amount of currency that was headed south and I commend our officers for this excellent interception.”
On September 15, CBP officers and agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a southbound 1999 Chevy Suburban and its driver, a 33-year-old Mexican citizen from Gainesville, Georgia. The vehicle was traveling south, headed into Mexico. CBP officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents referred the vehicle to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized 43 packages containing bulk U.S. currency that were found hidden within the vehicle. The Suburban was also seized by CBP.
The southbound male traveler was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement–Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
Hector A. Mancha, CBP Port Director, Hidalgo-Pharr said, “In the course of conducting outbound examinations, our frontline officers have the legal authority to seize merchandise that is being exported contrary to law.” Mancha further said, “This is a significant amount of currency that was headed south and I commend our officers for this excellent interception.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
