see also: in February 2004:   CBP Border Patrol Agents Arrest Wanted Fugitives on Northern Border   CBP Delays Implementation of the Term "Shipper"   CBP Border Patrol Seizes Over 900 Pounds of Cocaine Valued at over $31 Million   CBP Border Patrol Seizes Over 5,000 Pounds of Marijuana   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Announces a Joint Agency Black History Month Event with Actor Tim Reid   CBP Border Patrol Agents Thwart Human Trafficking Operation ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Las Cruces, NM - Yesterday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents at the I-25 immigration checkpoint, north of Las Cruces, discovered a cache of cocaine and arrested two subjects in a Dodge Ram truck. The driver and passenger, both border-crossing cardholders, were found to be transporting 48.30 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of $1.5 million.

While agents were performing routine checkpoint operations, the driver of the 2002 Dodge Ram was referred to the secondary inspection after displaying suspicious mannerisms when questioned by agents. A Border Patrol canine, "Gabber", alerted on the vehicle. A subsequent search in the front passenger-side fender area revealed fresh caulking and paint in the firewall. The caulking outlined what appeared to be a trap door. After removing a small piece of metal that served as the door, a bundle wrapped in brown packaging tape was seen. Further inspection of the vehicle revealed a false compartment in the firewall that extended the length of the truck. Both front fenders contained two trap doors on both sides that concealed 23 bundles wrapped in brown and black packing tape, which tested positive for cocaine.

The two subjects, vehicle and contraband were remanded to the custody of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Las Cruces. The subjects are described as a 24-year old resident of Chihuahua, Mexico and a 19-year old resident of Sinaloa, Mexico.

To date in fiscal year 2004, agents in the El Paso Border Patrol Sector have made 523 drug seizures, valued at $84.6 million.

The Border Patrol is a division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for managing and securing our nation's borders.