see also: in July 2007 News Releases:   CBP Air and Marine Acquires Helicopters for Border Security Mission   CBP Officers At El Paso Port Nab 50 Pounds Of Cocaine; Two Juveniles Taken Into Custody   CBP Border Patrol Agent Dies In the Line of Duty   Hong Kong to Scan U.S.-Bound Goods for Radiation as Part of Secure Freight Initiative   Border Patrol Assists in Third Canal Rescue in a Week   CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted For Murder, Rape, Burglary   Operation Streamline Nets 1,200-Plus Prosecutions in Arizona ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Ocotillo, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents patrolling in Ocotillo, Calif. recently arrested a U. S. citizen and seized more than 120 pounds of marijuana valued at more than $97,000.

A Border Patrol agent monitoring traffic traveling through the town of Ocotillo noticed a suspicious vehicle parked at a local gas station. A CBP Border Patrol canine unit was called to provide an exterior inspection or a “sniff” of the vehicle and immediately alerted to the vehicle.

“This is just good, old-fashioned police work,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the El Centro Sector Roy Villareal said, “In the post-9/11 era, agents must be conscience of any suspicious activity or change in the environment. Much depends on our agents’ vigilance. This time, that vigilance yielded a stash of narcotics.”

The vehicle and suspect were transported to the Calexico Border Patrol Station where mechanics dismantled the gas tank and discovered the marijuana.

The vehicle, smuggler and narcotics were turned over to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.