see also: in November 2003:   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Applauds Government of New Zealand For Secure Supply Chain Effort   CBP and ICE Interdict Large Cache of Marijuana   ACE Secure Data Portal to Enhance Border Security and Efficiency   Department of Homeland Security Announces Cargo Security Initiative   CBP Border Patrol Interdicts Narcotics Valued at Over $34 Million   SENTRI Hours to Expand at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Ports ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

contacts for this news release

EL PASO, TEXAS -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at ports of entry in El Paso, West Texas and New Mexico seized a wide variety of illegal items during the last seven days including 2,207 pounds of marijuana. CBP officers also seized 69.8 pounds of cocaine, 3.1 pounds of methamphetamine and a small amount of heroin during the same period.

The largest drug seizure of the week occurred Monday at the Ysleta crossing in El Paso when CBP officers seized 404 pounds of marijuana. The seizure was made after a 1993 Dodge Ram pickup arrived at the port from Mexico. A CBP inspector believed the fuel tank possibly contained contraband so the vehicle was scanned by the X-ray exam system. The scan identified a dense area within the fuel tank consistent with narcotics smuggling. CBP officers opened the fuel tank and removed 75 marijuana-filled bundles.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents arrested the driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Jose Alfredo Enriquez of Chihuahua City, Mexico. He is being charged with possession of a controlled substance and importation of a controlled substance. The investigation continues.

In addition to making 28 seizures of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine during the past week, area CBP officers also seized illegally imported pork products, produce, exotic skin footwear, liquor, cigarettes, jewelry, 80 Oxycontin tablets, and 888 Ecstasy tablets. Enforcement efforts also resulted in the recovery of four stolen vehicles, the apprehension of 12 fugitives, six export violations and an alien smuggling violation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a new agency within the Department of Homeland Security that unifies U.S. Customs, Immigration and Agriculture Inspectors and the Border Patrol.