COLUMBUS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Columbus port of entry seized 177 pounds of marijuana Monday night. The estimated street value of the seized contraband is $141,600.
Columbus Port Director Robert Reza said, “Smugglers went to considerable lengths to conceal this drug load. They fabricated metal collars which were filled with tightly compressed marijuana and then attached to the rims of the vehicle being driven across the border.”
The seizure was made just before 6 p.m. Monday night when a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup arrived at the port from Mexico. CBP officers initiated an exam x-ray scan. The scan revealed images consistent with hidden contraband in the tires. CBP officers removed a total of 16 bundles of marijuana from specially constructed metal collars that were attached to rims of the vehicle. The drugs weighed 177 pounds.
The driver, 43 year old Arnoldo Gonzalez or Buena-Ventura Chihuahua Mexico, was taken into custody by CBP officers and then arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
Columbus Port Director Robert Reza said, “Smugglers went to considerable lengths to conceal this drug load. They fabricated metal collars which were filled with tightly compressed marijuana and then attached to the rims of the vehicle being driven across the border.”
The seizure was made just before 6 p.m. Monday night when a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup arrived at the port from Mexico. CBP officers initiated an exam x-ray scan. The scan revealed images consistent with hidden contraband in the tires. CBP officers removed a total of 16 bundles of marijuana from specially constructed metal collars that were attached to rims of the vehicle. The drugs weighed 177 pounds.
The driver, 43 year old Arnoldo Gonzalez or Buena-Ventura Chihuahua Mexico, was taken into custody by CBP officers and then arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
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