see also: in January 2009:   CBP Officers Discover 957 Pounds of Marijuana in Concrete Pipes   CBP Officers Seize $80,000 of Marijuana at Naco Port of Entry   Border Patrol Stops Vehicle, Leads to Meth Seizure   CBP Officers at Hidalgo/Reynosa International Bridge Seize Fake $20’s Found during Outbound Inspection   Border Patrol Agents Rescue Woman Injured in Car Accident   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Arrest Wanted Sex Offender ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Douglas, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assisted by specialized K-9 teams, were busy these last three days as they stopped three drug-smuggling attempts; seizing more than 380 pounds of marijuana for an approximate street value of $608,000.

“Our K-9 teams are amazing in their ability to detect deep concealments,” said Assistant Port Director Margaret Baldenegro, Director of Special Teams and Enforcement at the Douglas POE. “Our K-9 teams throughout Customs and Border Protection have become so specialized and diversified; they truly are a unique asset in our commitment to secure our nation’s borders.”

Day before yesterday at about 10 p.m., CBP officers were screening travelers when they became suspicious of a 19-year-old man and his vehicle. The man was identified as a Mexican national and was selected for in intensive inspection. With the assistance of a CBP K-9 team the man’s car was searched which resulted in the discovery of vacuum packed marijuana floating in the gas tank. Further examination revealed that all four tires of the car were stuffed with packages of marijuana as well. The total weight of marijuana from this attempted smuggling act was close to 140 pounds.

Yesterday at about 4:30 p.m., CBP officers noticed the suspicious behavior of a 23-year-old man as he approached the CBP officers while driving his vehicle. The man was identified as a Mexican national. A search of the vehicle with the assistance of a CBP K-9 team, revealed vacuum sealed packages of marijuana concealed in the gas tank. Further search resulted in the discovery of more marijuana concealed in a secret compartment built into the dash area of the car, as well as all four doors. The total weight of marijuana from this seizure was nearly 120 pounds.

Today at 3:30 p.m., CBP officers became suspicious of an 18-year-old man that was driving a 1995 Camaro. A search of the vehicle by a K-9 team revealed packages of marijuana concealed in the gas tank and tires. The approximate weight of marijuana was 120 pounds. The estimated street value of marijuana from all three seizures combined was $608,000.

CBP officers seized the three vehicles and marijuana. All three men were turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation and prosecution.

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.