CBP Agents Bust Minivan with 42 lbs of Bolivian Marching Powder

A Border Patrol K-9 performed a non-intrusive sniff of the vehicle. When the K-9 became alerted to the drugs, the driver consented to allow agents to physically search the vehicle.

August 3, 2008

YUMA AZ NEWS -- US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents made a good bust when the Blythe Station seized multiple packages of cocaine smuggled in the roof of a minivan. On Friday, CBP agents were manning the checkpoint on Highway 95 in Arizona when a 2000 Chevrolet Venture minivan with one lawful permanent resident and a U.S. citizen attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. The minivan was referred to the secondary inspection area for further investigation of the one occupant's immigration status.

During the secondary inspection, a Border Patrol K-9 performed a non-intrusive sniff of the vehicle. When the K-9 became alerted to the drugs in the minivan, the driver consented to allow agents to physically search the vehicle. The CBP agents discovered a false compartment in the roof of the minivan containing 17 packages of the Bolivian marching powder wrapped in brown packing tape. The total weight of the contraband was 42 lbs.

Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson said:

"This was a case of good border patrol work on the part of the agents involved. As demonstrated in this incident, the men and women of this sector will remain vigilant with the intent of delivering consequences to those who would seek to violate this nation's laws and border security."

The two suspected smugglers, the vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The moral of the story? Don't be try'in to smuggle snow flakes into Yuma, Arizona with foreigners.

Published by da:
Cribmaster

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