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U.S. Customs Inspectors Seize $3 Million in Cocaine in Bus, and Two Separate Marijuana Loads Over Weekend in Laredo
(Monday, October 07, 2002)
contacts for this news releaseLaredo, TX - U.S. Customs inspectors and canine enforcement officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized three significant loads of narcotics this weekend, with the mother lode of the three being a $3 million cocaine seizure in a commercial bus.The cocaine seizure occurred Sunday, October 6, 2002 at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge. A U.S. Customs inspector examining a 1996 Dina bus with a driver and six passengers noted discrepancies in the rear wall of the restroom area. During the examination of this area, Canine "Visa" alerted. Upon further examination of this compartment, Inspectors discovered three gym bags containing a total of 187 pounds of cocaine. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $3 million. The bus was seized, no arrests were made, but the investigation continues. The two other seizures, both of marijuana, occurred Friday. The larger of the two occurred at Gateway to the Americas Bridge. A U.S Customs inspector referred a 1995 Chevy Suburban driven by Rafael Ruiz-Cantu, 31, a U.S. citizen from Laredo, for a secondary examination. The driver appeared nervous. During the examination, inspectors noticed irregularities in the gas tank area. Canine "Rex" also alerted to the tank. Upon further examination, inspectors found 165 pounds of marijuana in the tank. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $165,000. Ruiz-Cantu was arrested on federal charges of importation and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate today.The other seizure involved two Laredo juveniles. A U.S. Customs inspector at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge referred a 1994 Dodge pickup truck driven by a 15-year-old male juvenile for secondary examination. A 14-year-old male juvenile was a passenger in the vehicle. During the examination inspectors discovered anomalies in the gas tank area. Upon closer examination, Inspectors discovered 150 pounds of marijuana in the gas tank. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $150,000. Both juveniles were arrested and turned over to Texas Department of Public Safety troopers for prosecution on state drug possession charges.Gene Garza, U.S. Customs Port Director, Laredo, lauded his officers on the seizures."The inspectors kept busy this weekend taking down three significant loads of narcotics," Garza said. "The arrests of the two juveniles on state drug charges illustrate the depths narcotics smuggling organizations descend to get their loads across and the serious legal consequences facing teens lured by the thought of easy money." | Contacts For This News Release
| Richard Pauza
CBP Public Affairs
| | | | CBP Headquarters
Office of Public Affairs
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Room 3.4A
Washington, DC 20229
| Phone: | (202) 344-1780 or (800) 826-1471 | Fax: | (202) 344-1393 |
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