CBP officers seize narcotics, arrest 25 fugitives in El Paso sector last week

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The U.S Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized cocaine, meth and fentanyl and arrested 25 fugitives over the last week.

On May 9, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted 24.47 pounds of methamphetamine from a 24-year-old American man. Following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive inspection (x-ray) scan, CBP officers discovered 24 bundles hidden throughout the vehicle.

Later that day, CBP officers intercepted 18 pounds of methamphetamine from a 23-year-old American woman. Following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive inspection, CBP officers discovered a total of eight bundles hidden within the spare tire of the vehicle.

On May 11, CBP officers intercepted 19.7 pounds of cocaine from a traveler enrolled in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI).

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Later that day, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing, pedestrian, intercepted 0.006 pounds of fentanyl from a 40-year-old American woman. Following a pat down search and a CBP canine alert, the woman voluntarily removed a condom filled with fentanyl pills from her vaginal cavity.

Our CBP officers continue to secure our borders and safeguard our communities,” said CBP El Paso Director Field Operations Hector A. Mancha. “They are dedicated to stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs from coming into our county and working closely with law enforcement agencies to bring fugitives to justice.

On May 13, CBP officers working at the port of Santa Teresa, New Mexico intercepted 39.24 pounds of methamphetamine. CBP officers found multiple bundles hidden in a car that arrived from Mexico following a non-intrusive inspection and a CBP canine alert.

The people arrested by CBP officers were turned over to authorities of Homeland Security Investigations for prosecution.

Additionally, CBP officers arrested 25 fugitives from justice this week.

The arrests made were for aggravated sexual assault on a minor under 14 years, sexual assault, dangerous drugs, disarming a peace officer, possession of drugs and larceny.

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