see also: in March 2007 News Releases:   SBInet Completes Test of First Mobile Sensor Tower   Nogales Border Patrol Seizes 6 Tons of Marijuana from Garbage Truck   El Paso CBP Officers Make Largest Drug Bust In 2 Years   CBP Seizes $709,291 in Undeclared Currency at Laredo Port of Entry   Border Patrol Seizes $13 Million in Cocaine Near Hidalgo, Texas   El Paso CBP Offers Tips For Quick, Safe Easter Holiday Border Crossings   Border Patrol Assists Man Bitten by Snake ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry on Friday seized a significant load of marijuana valued at $123,000 during a routine inspection.

The marijuana seizure occurred on Friday, March 16, at the International Bridge. CBP officers referred a 1978 Chevy pickup truck driven by Pete Frank Estrada, 23, a U.S. citizen from Del Rio, for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the front wall of the pickup bed. CBP canine “Quito” alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the pickup.

Upon further examination, CBP officers discovered bundles of marijuana in a compartment in the front wall of the pickup bed. CBP officers seized a total of 123 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $123,000. CBP officers arrested Estrada and turned him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement special agents who investigated the seizure.

“Our front line officers utilized their experience, training and technology and in the end seized a significant load of narcotics,” said Michael Perez, CBP Port Director, Del Rio.

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.