see also: in September 2004:   Statement: Response by Chief David V. Aguilar on the Drowning of Three Undocumented Migrants   The Container Security Initiative is Operational at the Port of Naples   CBP Border Patrol Agent Saves Two Human Lives   “Trouble” Shares "Top Dog" Award in the "Paws To Recognize - Salute To Canine World Heroes"   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Responds to Mediterranean Fruit Fly Detection in Tijuana   Agents Mourn and Honor the Loss of two of their own   Missing CBP Border Patrol Agents Located ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Sumas, Wash.— On September 9th, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agent assigned to the Lynden, Washington Station was patrolling the international border on foot about 3 miles west of Sumas, Washington. The agent observed an individual also on foot “scouting” the area. Alien and drug smugglers frequently use this “scouting” tactic to look for law enforcement officers. The individual went back to Canada and shortly thereafter, a white Ford pickup truck drove illegally into the United States from Canada. The driver was surprised to see the agent and made a U-turn in an attempt to flee back to Canada. The truck became stuck and the driver ran back to Canada on foot.

The Border Patrol agent discovered eleven hockey bags in the bed of truck. The bags contained 681 pounds of highly potent, “BC Bud” marijuana valued at approximately 2.4 million dollars. Despite the rapid response of Canadian authorities and a CBP Border Patrol helicopter, the driver could not be located.

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.