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Douglas, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped four marijuana smuggling attempts seizing more than 400 pounds of marijuana for an approximate street value of $640,000, while at the same time making seven arrests for identity theft.

During these past three days CBP officers have been very busy as they reap the results of their enforcement actions. During this time frame CBP officers became suspicious of four vehicles. Further search of these vehicles revealed that two vehicles had a combined weight of 190 pounds of marijuana concealed in the gas tanks. The other vehicles had a combined weight of more than 200 pounds concealed in secret compartments built into the beds of the vehicles.

The total weight of marijuana seized was more than 390 pounds for an estimated street value of $640,000. During theses same three days, CBP officers were also busy screening travelers for proper entry documentation which resulted in the arrest of seven individuals charged with identity theft.

“The responsibilities that are placed on the CBP officers are many,” said Assistant Port Director Margaret Baldenegro, director of Special Teams and Enforcement at the Douglas POE. “Our nation’s security demands that the CBP officer be an individual of the highest quality and with the ability to discern legitimate travelers from those that harbor ill intensions. Our CBP officers wear many hats all in a days work.”

CBP officers seized the all vehicles and marijuana. All individuals that were involved in the marijuana smuggling attempts as well as the identity theft 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.