see also: in July 2003:   CBP Inspectors Seize $2.4 Million In Narcotics at Laredo Port of Entry   CBP Inspectors Seize Large Cocaine Load at Eagle Pass Port of Entry   China Signs Declaration of Principles With Container Security Initiative to Target and Pre-Screen Cargo Destined for U.S.   CBP Officers at Otay Mesa Seize Over 4,400 Pounds of Marijuana   CBP Inspectors Seize $15.5 Million in Cocaine at Pharr International Bridge Last Week   U.S., Mexican Officials Announce 24-Hour Service at Otay Mesa Port of Entry   Department of Homeland Security Proposes Regulations to Improve Cargo Security ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

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EL PASO, TEXAS - Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors working at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) port of entry in El Paso seized a record 14,395 tablets of the hallucinogenic drug Ecstasy on Wednesday. The seizure is the largest Ecstasy seizure ever recorded at the port, easily surpassing a seizure of 27 Ecstasy tablets made in June 2001. With a street price that averages about $20 per tablet, the seizure is worth as much as $287,900.

The seizure was made late Wednesday afternoon when a 2000 Plymouth Neon entered the port from Mexico. A CBP inspector at the primary inspection booth directed the vehicle to the secondary area for a full inspection. As the driver and passenger were asked to exit the vehicle and wait on a bench, a CBP inspector noticed an unusual bulge in the groin area of the passenger, 25-year-old Jesus Lorenzo Guerra of El Paso. Guerra was searched and 11 packages were discovered hidden on his body and in his clothing. The packages contained 11,301 white pills that tested positive for Ecstasy.

CBP inspectors then asked Guerra if he had any additional contraband and he replied that the driver was also carrying Ecstasy. CBP inspectors searched the driver, 25-year-old Christopher Serrano of El Paso, and discovered three packages containing 3,094 tablets of Ecstasy hidden in his groin area.

Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents arrived at the port of entry and arrested Guerra and Serrano. Both men are being charged with importation of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The investigation continues as ICE special agents try to determine the origin of the Ecstasy and its ultimate destination.

The seizure was the highlight of a busy week for BCBP inspectors working in El Paso, West Texas and New Mexico. In addition to the Ecstasy, area CBP inspectors seized 2,516 pounds of marijuana in 24 incidents, apprehended 19 fugitives, discovered 8 export violations, 3 illegal importation violations, seized one firearm and recovered one stolen vehicle during the last seven days. In one additional unusual seizure, inspectors at BOTA apprehended a 69-year-old El Paso man who was smuggling 18 grams of heroin on Thursday.