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The seizure was made just before 9 p.m. when the juvenile entered the U.S. as a pedestrian at the Ysleta international crossing. A CBP officer at the primary inspection point selected the youth for a secondary examination because of concerns about his citizenship declaration. During the secondary interview and inspection several bundles were detected beneath his pants. A closer exam revealed four marijuana-filled bundles taped to the thighs of the boy. The 16-year-old was turned over to the El Paso Police Sheriff’s Office for prosecution.
“Young teens who become involved in drug smuggling may not fully comprehend or understand that the consequences of their actions can have an immediate and long lasting negative impact their lives,” said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso port director. “CBP officers remain vigilant and experience has shown that at any moment we may encounter smugglers of any age, sex, race or ethnic group.”
In addition to the previously mentioned seizure, CBP officers working at El Paso area ports of entry Wednesday also seized 109 pounds of marijuana in two additional busts. They also identified 17 immigration violations, apprehended two fugitives, identified two export violations, and seized prohibited agricultural items yesterday.
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.
