see also: in April 2007 News Releases:   CBP Officers at O’Hare Seize $6.7 Million Worth of Cocaine   CBP Officers Seize $8 Million Worth of Marijuana at Calexico Port   CBP Border Patrol Rescues Three   U.S., Mexican Officials Announce Grand Opening Of Brownsville SENTRI Lane   Funcionarios de Estados Unidos y México Anuncian Inauguración del Carril SENTRI en Brownsville   First Mobile Sensor Tower Arrives In Arizona   Frequent Traveler Charged with Marijuana Smuggling ...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 seized more than 400 pounds of marijuana during the month of March and identified scores of immigration violations and wanted persons.

During the month of March, CBP officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry seized more than 407 pounds of marijuana in 6 separate enforcement actions. In addition, CBP officers uncovered 48 cases involving immigration violations and apprehended 23 wanted persons.

The largest marijuana seizure of the month-long period occurred on March 6 at the Amistad Dam crossing. A CBP officer referred a 1994 Dodge van driven by Kentoya M. Whiteside, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen from Chicago for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers discovered discrepancies in the roof of the van. CBP Canine “Beasty” alerted to roof of van. A non-intrusive imaging system scan also confirmed an anomaly in the same area. CBP officers discovered numerous packages containing a total of 185 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $185,000. CBP officers arrested Whiteside on federal drug charges and turned her over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents who investigated the seizure.

On March 27, CBP officers apprehended a person for a violation of immigration law that also had an outstanding arrest warrant. A CBP officer referred pedestrian Juan Carlos Cervantes Colin, 25, a Mexican citizen from Paz, Mexico for a secondary examination after he had declared himself a U.S. citizen upon arrival at the primary inspection booth. During the examination, CBP officers determined that he was not a U.S. citizen but a citizen of Mexico. CBP Officers also determined he had three prior apprehensions for entry without inspection and confirmed a state arrest warrant for larceny issued out of Tarrant Country, Texas. CBP officers processed him for expedited removal with prosecution upon final adjudication of the state charges and transported him to jail pending an initial court appearance.

“Our officers maintained their vigilance throughout the month and applied their experience and technology to seize contraband, apprehend fugitives and uncover immigration violations,” 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.