see also: in January 2007 News Releases:   Membership of Trade/Customs Advisory Committee Announced   CBP Border Patrol Launches Massive Search to Preserve Life   3,010 Pounds of Marijuana Seized at Nogales Port of Entry   CBP Border Patrol Makes a Record Drug Bust   Registration Underway for Third CBP Conference on ACE   CBP Officers Nab Mother/Daughter Cocaine Smugglers; Juveniles With Marijuana Loads Also Nabbed This Week ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Calexico, CA.-U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico ports of entry interdicted more than 1,700 pounds of marijuana, 185 pounds of cocaine and about 11 pounds of methamphetamine in 22 incidents, valued at almost $2.1 million from Monday, January 22 through Sunday, January 28. One of the largest cocaine seizures occurred when CBP officers intercepted a 29-year old man as he entered the Calexico downtown border station driving a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at about 6pm on Sunday, January 28. The man was accompanied by his wife and three minor daughters.

Officers noticed the driver was nervous and escorted the driver and vehicle into the secondary area for an in-depth examination. During the secondary inspection, officers utilized a narcotics detector dog that alerted to the gas tank of the vehicle. Officers subsequently extracted 37 packages of cocaine from the gas tank worth over $700,000.

The vehicle and cocaine were seized by CBP. The driver was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents. CBP officers also foiled attempts to smuggle marijuana strapped to the bodies of three men at the downtown port on Friday and Saturday.

An 18-year old U.S. citizen male was apprehended on Friday, January 26 after CBP officers found three packages of marijuana weighing about four pounds strapped to the back of his legs. The man entered the pedestrian facility at about 6pm and officers referred him for a secondary examination when they noticed his nervous demeanor. He was arrested and taken to the Imperial County jail.

On Saturday, January 27, CBP officers encountered a 17-year old U.S. citizen male when he entered the port as a pedestrian at about 6pm. CBP officers noticed an unusual bulging on either leg and escorted him to the secondary area for further examination. Officers found two packages of marijuana weighing almost three pounds strapped to the back of each leg. He was arrested and taken to juvenile hall.

Also on Saturday at 7pm, officers intercepted a 16-year old U.S. citizen male attempting to enter the country with two packages of marijuana strapped to the back of each leg. Officers noticed bulges to his upper leg area and subsequently discovered almost three pounds of marijuana. He was arrested and taken to juvenile hall.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2006, CBP Officers at the Calexico passenger ports of entry seized almost 10,000 pounds of narcotics. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, officers have seized over 17,000 pounds of narcotics, an increase of about 78 percent over the same time last year.

Immigration apprehensions are also on the rise at the Calexico ports of entry. Officers have seen an increase of about 14 percent during the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the same period last year, who have committed various immigration violations.

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.