see also: in April 2006 News Releases:   CBP Officers Seize Thousands of Dollars from Sentri Participant   CBP Nabs Murder Suspects at Two Different Port of Entries   Border Patrol’s BORSTAR Team Saving Lives   CBP Officers Seize Over Three Tons of Marijuana at Calexico Ports   CBP Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Wanted Fugitive Featured on America’s Most Wanted   Homeland Security Officials Unveil Latest Radiation Technology to Secure our Nation's Seaports   Rising Temperatures in South Texas Prompt Rescue Efforts ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Tucson, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Arizona ports of entry seized more than $8.4 million in methamphetamines, cocaine and marijuana and as well as $93,073 in cash at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport this weekend.

On Friday night, CBP officers at the Mariposa port in Nogales arrested a 54-year-old man from Cajeme, Mexico in connection with a failed attempt to smuggle almost 70 pounds of methamphetamines hidden in a 2005 Chevy Tahoe. Officers searching vehicles entering the U.S. found the narcotics hidden in a compartment built into the vehicle. After finding the drugs, special agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement were called. As a result of further investigation, ICE and Drug Enforcement Agency agents arrested three additional people, seized $261,432, and 36 ounces of cocaine. Street value of the methamphetamine is estimated at $4.8 million.

On Sunday night, CBP officers at the Mariposa port in Nogales arrested a 38-year-old man from Hermosillo, Mexico in connection with a failed attempt to smuggle into the country almost 112 pounds of cocaine hidden in a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. Officers searching the vehicle found 47 packages of cocaine hidden in a compartment built into the floor. The driver was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Estimated street value of the narcotics is $2.9 million.

Officers at the Douglas port of entry arrested three people in connection with separate attempts to smuggle marijuana through the port. On Friday evening, officers arrested a 40-year-old woman from Agua Prieta who attempted to smuggle 85 pounds hidden in a 1988 Honda Accord. On Sunday morning officers arrested a 38-year-old man from Agua Prieta who attempted to smuggle 89 pounds hidden in a Dodge Neon and on Sunday night, officers arrested a 36-year-old man from Pirtleville who attempted to smuggle in 16 pounds of marijuana hidden in the spare tire of a 1999 Dodge Caravan. Total estimated street value is more than $608,000.

Officers at the San Luis port of entry arrested at 17-year-old boy from San Luis Rio Colorado on Friday evening in connection with a failed attempt to smuggle almost 36 pounds of marijuana into the country hidden in the gas tank of a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The estimated street value of the marijuana is more than $114,000.

On Sunday night, CBP officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport arrested a 31-year-old man from Portsmouth, Great Britain on suspicion of attempting to evade currency-reporting requirements when they discovered $93,073 hidden in his luggage.

CBP officers and CBP agriculture specialists also apprehended four people with outstanding warrants for their arrest, recovered three stolen vehicles, seized three vehicles with non-factory compartments and stopped 10 attempts to smuggle prohibited agricultural items, collecting $1,450 in penalties.

While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of Customs and Border Protection, the intensive inspection process associated with this mission results in the discovery of other violations of U.S. law.

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 the 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.