see also: in December 2008:   CBP Lists Top 10 Enforcement Events of 2008   CBP Seizes $200K in Undeclared Currency; Arrest 1 at Texas Port   Marfa Sector Agents Apprehend Murder Suspect   San Ysidro Port Modernization Deployment Temporarily Reduces Lanes   Border Patrol Agents Assist in Locating Distressed Individual   CBP Officers Stop Man at Michigan Border Crossing Wanted for Aggravated Sexual Assault   Holiday Surprise; CBP Unwraps 312 Pounds of Khat in December ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Douglas, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were busy this past week as they stopped six drug smugglers concealing marijuana on their bodies. The officers also seized seven additional loads of marijuana concealed in vehicles.

With winter upon us, smugglers have broadened their scheme by using individuals dressed in baggy clothes and big coats to traffic marijuana. In the past five days CBP officers have apprehended six individuals who were dressed in baggy clothes in an attempt to conceal a combined weight of over 17 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana was taped or wrapped to their bodies and had a street value of more than $28,000.

During this same time frame, CBP officers also conducted 17 immigration enforcement actions and seized seven vehicles that had special compartments designed especially for smuggling narcotics. The total marijuana seized from these non-factory compartments was more than 800 pounds, for a street value of nearly $3 million.

“This is a prime example of the diversity of responsibility that is placed on CBP officers,” said Assistant Port Director Margaret Baldenegro, director of Special Teams and Enforcement, “Customs and Border Protection is relatively a new organization, but it is getting stronger every day.”

CBP officers seized all the vehicles and marijuana. All suspects were turned over to the custody of 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.