see also: in October 2002:   Alleged Colombian Heroin Distributor Arrested in Chicago; Among 25 Charged in Operation Smackdown Led by Customs Agents   U.S. Customs Publishes Final Regulations to Require Advance Shipping Information   Customs Agent is Presented the Presidential Council on Integrity and Efficiency Award   U.S. Customs Inspectors Seize $7.6 Million in Cocaine at Hidalgo/Pharr in Five Days   More Than 300 Registered for Customs Trade Symposium 2002   Wang Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Smuggling in Export Scheme Involving Chinese Textiles   China Joins the U.S. in Container Security Initiative ...more

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COLUMBUS, N.M. - U.S. Customs Service inspectors working at the Columbus international port of entry in southern New Mexico seized 122 pounds of cocaine Saturday. One person was taken into custody in connection with the seizure. The wholesale value of the cocaine is $1,220,000 although the value could easily triple if the contraband were distributed at the street level.

The seizure was made late Saturday afternoon when a 2002 Chevrolet pickup truck arrived at the port of entry from Mexico. An Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) inspector working at the primary inspection booth noticed that the driver was nervous and shaking when making his declaration to the officer. A U.S. Customs Service Canine Enforcement officer then used drug sniffing dog "Cougar" to search the vehicle at the primary inspection booth. The canine alerted to the presence of narcotics and the vehicle was referred to the secondary inspection area for a more intensive examination.

U.S. Customs Service inspectors in the secondary inspection area began searching the vehicle and discovered a compartment behind the passenger seat. Customs inspectors removed a total of 47-cocaine filled bundles weighing 122 pounds from the compartment.

U.S. Customs Service Special Agents from Deming arrived at the port of entry and arrested the driver. He is identified as 31-year-old Miguel Angel Flores-Hernandez of Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico. He s slated to make his initial appearance in federal court Las Cruces today and will be charged with importation of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. The investigation is continuing.