CBP Officers Seize $4.2 Million in Cocaine and Methamphetamine at Eagle Pass Port of Entry This Week
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Nov 7, 2009, 0 Comments
Courtesy Richard Pauza,
Eagle Pass , Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry this week seized four loads of narcotics including cocaine and methamphetamine that carry a combined street value of $4.2 million.
The largest seizure of the week occurred on Nov. 5, 2009. CBP officers at Bridge II referred a 2007 Mazda CX-7 driven by Martin De la Fuente, 46, a U.S. citizen from Somerset , Texas for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the engine area. CBP Canine “Nero” alerted to the vehicle and a non-intrusive imaging system scan indicated anomalies in the engine area. An intensive examination of the engine firewall yielded 15 packages containing nearly 50 pounds of cocaine. The cocaine has an estimated street value of nearly $1.6 million. CBP officers arrested De la Fuente and turned him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents who investigated the seizure and processed him on federal drug charges.
Also on Nov. 5, CBP officers at Bridge I seized 14 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the intake manifold of a 1999 Dodge Durango driven by Ramon Garibay, a 53-year-old U.S. citizen from Mesquite, Texas. The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $214,000.
On Nov. 3 and 4, CBP officers seized two back-to-back cocaine loads. On Nov. 4, CBP officers at Bridge II referred a 2001 Dodge Dakota for secondary inspection and found 38 pounds of cocaine valued at $1.2 million in a floor compartment. The driver, Erik Chavez Treviño, 30, a Mexican citizen from Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico was arrested and processed on federal drug charges. On Nov. 3, CBP officers at Bridge I seized 38 pounds of cocaine hidden in the side panels of a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by Mario Alberto Olivo, 36, a U.S. citizen from Eagle Pass. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $1.2 million.
In all four cases, the drivers were arrested and turned over to ICE special agents who investigated the seizures.
“The sheer volume of narcotics seizures this week underscores the significant drug threat our frontline officers face everyday,” said Severiano Solis, Acting Port Director, Eagle Pass. “Their ability to detect and interdict these multiple drug loads speaks highly of their training, experience and effective use of technology. Their actions this week help to keep our border safe.”
