see also: in July 2007 News Releases:   CBP Air and Marine Acquires Helicopters for Border Security Mission   CBP Border Patrol Agent Dies In the Line of Duty   Hong Kong to Scan U.S.-Bound Goods for Radiation as Part of Secure Freight Initiative   Border Patrol Assists in Third Canal Rescue in a Week   CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted For Murder, Rape, Burglary   Operation Streamline Nets 1,200-Plus Prosecutions in Arizona ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

El Paso, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers performing anti-terror inspections at the Paso Del Norte border crossing in El Paso seized 50 pounds of cocaine Sunday afternoon. Two 17-year-old juveniles from Mexico were taken into custody following the discovery.

The seizure was made just before noon when 1990 BMW 325i entered the U.S. from Mexico. The 17-year-old male driver from Juarez made a negative declaration to CBP. CBP officers initiated a search of the vehicle after CBP drug sniffing dog “Lady” alerted to the rear seat. CBP officers removed a total of 17 cocaine-filled bundles from the car. The driver and a 17-year-old female passenger, also from Juarez, were turned over to the El Paso County Sheriff’s department for prosecution.

In addition to the cocaine seizure, CBP officers working at the El Paso port of entry this weekend seized almost one ton of marijuana. CBP officers made a total 16 additional drug seizures between Friday and Sunday, nabbing 1,979 pounds of marijuana.

CBP officers screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, and protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases. While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.

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.