see also: in February 2002:   U.S. Customs Airspace Security Effort at 2002 Winter Olympics A Success   U.S. Customs Inspectors Apprehend Fugitives Wanted by FBI on Murder Charges in Oklahoma   Seven Arrested in U.S. Customs Seizure of 4,320 Pounds of Marijuana in Philadelphia   Operation Green Quest Overview   U.S. Customs to Begin Collecting Duties on Imported Costumes on Saturday   U.S. Customs Service Inspectors Seize $100,000 at Sasabe Port of Entry   U.S. Customs Inspectors at World Trade Bridge Seize Nearly Four Tons of Marijuana in Nine Days ...more

contacts for this news release

Presidio, Texas -- U.S. Customs Service inspectors performing level one alert status anti-terrorism inspections Tuesday located 234.6 pounds of cocaine in a tractor-trailer that entered the port from Mexico. The seizure is the largest cocaine bust at the Presidio port of entry in almost one year. U.S. Customs Service inspectors seized 343 pounds of cocaine in a tractor-trailer on April 4, 2001.

The 234.6-pound seizure was made after a tractor pulling an empty trailer arrived at the port of entry Tuesday morning. U.S. Customs inspectors began searching the vehicle when they received high readings on a "Buster" density meter, indicating the possible presence of narcotics in the cab of the tractor. U.S. Customs inspectors then utilized a VACIS gamma ray inspection system to screen the tractor-trailer. The high-tech device indicated an unusual density over the engine compartment of the tractor.

U.S. Customs Service inspectors began searching the tractor and located a trap door under the carpet. The door was removed and Customs inspectors spotted numerous bundles wrapped with duct tape. Inspectors removed a total of 91-cocaine filled bundles from the hidden compartment.

U.S. Customs Service special agents responded to the port of entry and arrested the driver of the vehicle. He is identified as 33-year-old Luis Manuel Diaz De Leon of Chihuahua City, Chihuahua, Mexico. He is slated to make his initial appearance in federal court in Alpine today. He will be charged with importation of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The investigation is continuing.