see also: in May 2008:   Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Announces State of the Agency   CBP Celebrates Significant Occasions at Advanced Training Center in West Virginia   CBP to Issue New Frequent Traveler Cards   Ecstasy and Methamphetamine Seized at Ambassador Bridge   CBP Races to Secure NASCAR’s Monster Mile   CBP Air and Marine Agents Interdict Migrants in Florida at the Start of Memorial Day Weekend   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 51 Illegal Aliens from Tractor Trailer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Nogales, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested three women, ranging in age from 21- to 70-years-old, in connection with a failed attempt at smuggling almost 28 pounds of cocaine into the country at the Nogales port of entry yesterday.

“By using people of different ages and blending in with normal traffic, smugglers hope to reduce any suspicions our officers might have, “said Port Director James Tong, “but we don’t rely simply on a person’s age or appearance when determining whether to search or not.”

Slightly past 1 p.m. yesterday, a CBP officer screening people and vehicles coming into the U.S. encountered a 21-year-old woman driving a Volkswagon Beetle. With her were two passengers, a 46-year-old woman and a 70-year-old woman. The officer became suspicious of their behavior during routine primary questioning and sent all three in for further inspection.

Officers inspecting the vehicle also became suspicious of their behavior and decided that a personal inspection of each of the women was needed. As a result, officers discovered more than 10 pounds of cocaine hidden on the body and in the purse of the driver. They also found more than 10 pounds of cocaine hidden on the body and in the purse of the 46-year-old passenger, and almost 8 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the purse of the 70-year-old passenger.

In all, almost 28 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than $460,000 was seized.

All three women, who are Mexican citizens from Nogales, Sonora, were immediately arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

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.