see also: in March 2008:   Summer Months an Added Challenge for Border Patrol   Los Meses de Verano, un Reto Para la Patrulla Fronteriza   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 38 Illegal Aliens from Smuggling Attempt   Laredo North Station Border Patrol Agents Arrest MS-13 Member   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 18th Street Gang Member   El Paso CBP Officers View HDTV: Hidden Drugs in TV Set   El Paso Border Patrol Agents Arrest Criminals with Extensive Records ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Charleston, S.C. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Charleston, S.C., port of entry seized 1,239 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of approximately $1,412,460, concealed in a shipment of barium sulfate.

On February 26, 2008, CBP officers performing cargo examinations, using non-intrusive inspection technology, discovered anomalies in a container. Further examination of the container revealed 356 packages of a green leafy substance hidden in the shipment. The substance field-tested positive for marijuana.

The container was then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Through interagency coordination, ICE agents and local authorities arrested two subjects. The subjects are currently in custody awaiting prosecution.

Robert Gomez, Director of Field Operations for Atlanta said, "This is an excellent example of how CBP officers and ICE agents are working together, protecting the people of the U.S. from the entry of illicit drugs and arresting the smugglers involved."

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.