see also: in October 2005 Press Releases:   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize Over 1030 Pounds of Marijuana and Arrest a Wanted Fugitive   Border Patrol Agent Assaulted at Checkpoint   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Over 104 Lbs. of Cocaine   CBP South Florida Ports of Entry Update   CBP Provides Assistance with Hurricane Wilma Fuel Crisis   United States – Australia Join Efforts To Validate Travel Documents   CBP Miami Field Office Post Hurricane Wilma Operations ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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SAN LUIS, AZ - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers with the Office of Field Operations at the San Luis Port of Entry seized almost 60 pounds of cocaine on October 15th.

The cocaine was seized after CBP officers discovered 22 packages hidden a 1999 Ford F-150, driven by a 20-year-old man from Somerton, AZ. The vehicle was selected for inspection because CBP officers became suspicious of the driver’s behavior during routine questioning. A drug dog, Jackie, gave a positive response to the odor of narcotics, and when the officers searched the vehicle, they found the cocaine hidden in a compartment behind the engine. The value of the cocaine is estimated at almost $500,000 locally. The driver was arrested.

“This is the largest seizure of cocaine that we’ve had in the last four months,” said Port Director Michael Freeman, “This seizure is a direct result of the determination, training, and teamwork of the officers and our canine unit to keep illicit narcotics off the streets.”

Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection Officers at the San Luis Port of Entry seized over 5,800 pounds of marijuana, 700 pounds of cocaine, 153 pounds of methamphetamines, and almost 12 pounds of heroin. Total value of the narcotics seized is estimated at almost $11,655,000 locally.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.