see also: in July 2008:   CBP Discovers 2.7 Tons of Marijuana on Cargo Box Truck   Holiday Travel Reminder for Northwest Border Crossers   Current, Former CBP Employees Assist in Arrest of Purse Snatchers   CBP Officers Arrest Man Wanted for Failure to Register as Sex Offender   California SENTRI Participant in Hot Water, CBP Finds Dope in Vehicle   CBP Officers Arrest Man Wanted for Aggravated Sexual Assault on Minor   CBP Revokes Trusted Traveler Privileges After Finding Prohibited Items During Inspection ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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El Paso, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Ysleta SENTRI/Dedicated Commuter Lane (DCL) seized almost four gallons of undeclared liquor Saturday evening. An El Paso woman lost her DCL crossing privileges as a result of the violation.

The interception was made just before 7 p.m. when a 38-year-old driver entered the DCL lane from Mexico. A CBP officer received a declaration of clothing only and was told that the vehicle did not contain any other items. The CBP officer initiated a search of the vehicle and discovered a wooden barrel containing two gallons of tequila and several bottles containing seven liters of mescal. Importation of liquor, tobacco and other items is prohibited under DCL guidelines. CBP seized the unreported alcohol and took custody of the driver’s DCL document.

"We do not tolerate any violations at El Paso’s dedicated commuter lanes, which are part of CBP’s trusted traveler program," said William Molaski, acting U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Port Director. "The integrity of El Paso’s two DCL crossings will be maintained by CBP officers performing targeted and random inspections. Individuals who knowingly choose to violate the trust bestowed upon them can expect to lose their crossing privileges."

The Stanton Street DCL opened in September 1999 while service at the Ysleta DCL was initiated in December 2005. Thousands of pre-screened low-risk travelers utilize the lanes daily without incident. While the lanes do provide an expedited crossing, DCL users are still subject to thorough examinations by CBP officers supporting the agency’s principal anti-terror mission.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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.