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Marijuana Bust at Presidio Port of Entry
Marijuana Bust at Presidio Port of Entry 2/20/13
Press Release
February 20, 2013
PRESIDIO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 184 pounds of marijuana Tuesday. The estimated street value of the seized contraband is $147,200.
“The good work of a vigilant CBP officer led to this seizure,” said David Lambrix, CBP Presidio Port Director. “The technology CBP uses confirmed that the vehicle was loaded with drugs.”
The seizure occurred Tuesday just after 7:00 a.m. when a 2001 Chevrolet Trailblazer arrived from Mexico. CBP officers initiated an exam and noted that the driver was nervous during a routine interview. The vehicle was selected for a secondary exam. A CBP officer used a fiber optic scope to examine the fuel tank and spotted bundles inside. CBP officers also used a “Buster” density meter to check the tire of the SUV and received high readings consistent with hidden contraband. CBP officer x-rayed the vehicle and spotted anomalies in the fuel tank and tires. The vehicle was dismantled and CBP officers discovered vacuum sealed bags of marijuana in the fuel tank and metal marijauan-filled collars attached to the rims of the vehicles tires.
CBP officers took custody of the driver, 25-year-old Edgar Omar Calderon Arzaga of Chihuahua, Mexico. He was turned over to and arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
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.