see also: in November 2007 News Releases:   CBP Officers Seize 50 Pounds of Cocaine, Three Pounds of Heroin, Guns & Ammo, Arrest 22 For Illegal Entry and Arrest 20 Fugitives During Two-Week Holiday Span at Laredo Port of Entry   Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Sex Offender   Border Patrol Seizes One Ton of Marijuana at Sierra Blanca Checkpoint   Border Patrol Yields $3.7 Million in a Day’s Seizures   Border Patrol and Coast Guard Sign Cooperation Agreement   CBP Seized Cocaine Concealed in Suitcase   Border Patrol Agents Seize 5,450 Pounds of Marijuana Near Freer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Santa Teresa, NM – El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than a half-ton of marijuana during a smuggling attempt near Santa Teresa, New Mexico Tuesday.

Agents made the seizure while patrolling near the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. Agents observed a dark-colored Chevrolet pick-up heading north on the Pete Domenici Highway. They attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, but the vehicle immediately made a U-turn and went back toward Mexico. The vehicle led agents back to the immediate border area where additional agents successfully deployed a controlled tire-deflation device. On deflated tires, the pick-up attempted to travel east over the north bound lanes of the Pete Domenici Highway and became stuck after traveling about 20 feet into the desert.

A 19-year-old undocumented male citizen from Mexico was apprehended in the vehicle. A search of the truck revealed a total of 1,435 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of $1.1 million.

The narcotics, driver and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further investigation.

To date for fiscal year 2008 (October 01 through October 31, 2007), Border Patrol agents from the El Paso Sector have seized over $8.5 million in illegal drugs.

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 the 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.