Failed Attempts to Smuggle Drugs Through the Border Continue

NOGALES, ARIZONA, US – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Dennis DeConcini border crossing arrest several people for separate failed attempts to smuggle more than 36 pounds of heroin, over 29 pounds of cocaine, just under 6.5 pounds of fentanyl pills, and 1/4 pound of Tramadol pills through the Port of Nogales this past weekend.

According to a CBP press release, on Friday, officers at the DeConcini Pedestrian Crossing referred a 26-year-old U.S. citizen for additional inspection as she attempted to enter the U.S. The search led to the discovery of nearly 700 Tramadol pills hidden in their bag.

Later that day, a 48-year-old U.S. citizen crossing through pedestrian lanes was referred for a secondary inspection.  During the inspection, a canine alert led to the discovery of more than 50 grams of cocaine hidden on his body.

Also on Friday, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen driving a GMC truck was referred for a secondary inspection of his vehicle.  During the intensive inspection, 10 packages of cocaine weighing more than 25 pounds were discovered hidden in a non-factory compartment.

Saturday

Saturday, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox was referred for further inspection of her vehicle.  During the inspection, a canine alert led to the discovery of 20 packages of narcotics hidden in a non-factory compartment in the vehicle.  The packages contained 21.50 pounds of black tar heroin, 6.5 pounds of fentanyl pills, and 3.75 pounds of cocaine.

Also on Saturday, a 51-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2015 Buick Encore was referred for a secondary inspection after being observed to have an object strapped to her body.  During a search of the subject, three packages containing nearly 14 pounds of heroin were located.

Later the same day, a 47-year-old U.S. citizen crossing at the pedestrian crossing was referred for a secondary inspection. During the inspection, a K9 alert led to the discovery of almost 2 pounds of Methamphetamine and 2 ounces of Heroin hidden on the male subject.

Officers seized the narcotics and vehicles, arrested the subjects, and turned the subjects over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.