see also: in February 2003:   Investigators from U.S. Customs and District Attorney's Office Arrest Impersonator of Federal Agent   U.S. Ambassador Presents $843,388 Forfeiture Check to Mexico as a Result of Joint Probe Into Former Mexican Deputy Attorney General   Customs Recruitment Strategy Perpetuates Excellence   Customs Has New Number for 24-Hour Rule Conference Call   Expired Permit Leads to Drug Smuggling Charges (pdf - 24 KB.)   At the Otay Mesa Border Station Customs Seizes 10 Tons of Marijuana   Container Security Initiative Expands Beyond the Megaports, Strengthening Anti-Terror Coalition ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

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DOUGLAS, AZ--U.S. Customs Service special agents from the Douglas Office of Investigations seized 1,169 pounds of marijuana Tuesday afternoon. The seizure was made after the driver of a drug-laden vehicle rammed at least four vehicles while attempting to escape apprehension.

The incident began at approximately 1:30 p.m. when U.S. Customs special agents identified a suspicious vehicle traveling north on Hereford Road near Palominas, Arizona. Agents had developed information that a smuggling attempt would be made in that area. Customs special agents attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver of a 1994 Chevrolet pickup accelerated away at a high rate of speed.

While trying to stop the fleeing pickup, the driver struck three separate Customs vehicles in an attempt to escape. He also struck a civilian's pickup truck on Highway 92 just north of the border near J.B.'s Bright Spot. A Customs agent who is EMT certified provided first aid to the female civilian before Bisbee Fire Department paramedics arrived and transported the woman to the Copper Queen Hospital emergency room in Bisbee where she was treated and released.

Customs agents deployed several tire deflation devices and the driver left the roadway and attempted to drive south through the desert toward Mexico until his vehicle became disabled in a dry arroyo. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot but was captured by Customs special agents approximately one mile north of the border.

Customs special agents arrested 27-year-old Augustin Peralta-Marquez of Naco, Sonora, in connection with the failed smuggling attempt. He will make his initial appearance in federal court in Tucson today and will be charged with importation of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Three charges of assault on a federal agent are also being sought. In addition to the federal charges, the Arizona Department of Public safety is expected to file charges related to the incident involving the civilians vehicle.