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Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection,

 EAGLE PASS, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry in recent days seized marijuana valued at $89,000 and arrested a Port Arthur man wanted on an outstanding warrant for indecency with a child in two separate, unrelated enforcement actions.  The marijuana seizure occurred on June 20, 2011 at Eagle Pass Bridge I. A CBP officer referred a 1994 Ford Aerostar van driven by a 31-year-old male U.S. citizen from Houston for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers discovered anomalies within the vehicle. Upon further examination, CBP officers discovered 39 packages containing a total of 89 pounds of alleged marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $89,000.

 CBP officers turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation and seized the narcotics and the vehicle.

 The fugitive apprehension occurred on June 19, 2011 at the same bridge. A CBP officer referred a 2006 Ford F-250 pickup driven by Ernesto Martinez, a 47-year-old male Mexican citizen from Port Arthur , Texas for a secondary examination after a primary examination indicated he may be a match to outstanding warrants. In secondary, CBP officers verified Martinez ’s identity and confirmed he had an outstanding warrant from Jefferson County for indecency with a child. CBP officers turned Martinez over to Maverick County sheriff’s deputies for transport to a local jail pending extradition proceedings.   

 “This significant marijuana seizure and the apprehension of a Port Arthur man wanted on child indecency charges illustrates the diversity of law enforced by frontline CBP officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry and their ongoing commitment to secure our borders,” said Cynthia O. Rodriguez, CBP Port Director, Eagle Pass.