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El Paso, TX - In a series of successful operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at El Paso area ports of entry thwarted significant drug and weapon smuggling attempts in the first four days of December. The interceptions included approximately 67 pounds of cocaine, 89 pounds of methamphetamine, and an arsenal of firearms, collectively valued at $1.1 million.
CBP El Paso Director Field Operations, Hector A. Mancha, commended the officers for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the border and protecting communities. "Our CBP officers' continued vigilance in protecting the border achieves daily results. They remain dedicated to disrupting the flow of dangerous narcotics and weapons from entering our country and reaching our communities," stated Mancha.
On December 2, at the Port of Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, New Mexico, CBP officers intercepted 26 pounds of cocaine. The illicit substance was discovered during a non-intrusive inspection and canine search of a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old male, a Canadian citizen arriving from Mexico via the vehicle lanes.
On December 3, at the Antelope Wells border crossing, Antelope Wells, New Mexico, CBP officers encountered a male Mexican citizen traveling with his family via the vehicle lanes. During a secondary inspection, officers discovered several concealed packages within the vehicle's center console. Further investigation revealed not only narcotics but also a cache of weapons, including shotguns, revolvers, pistols, rifles, and weapon parts hidden within the packages.
These successful interceptions underscore the ongoing challenges faced by CBP officers in preventing the illegal flow of drugs and weapons across the border. The agency remains committed to its mission of ensuring the safety and security of the United States.
CBP El Paso Director Field Operations, Hector A. Mancha, commended the officers for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the border and protecting communities. "Our CBP officers' continued vigilance in protecting the border achieves daily results. They remain dedicated to disrupting the flow of dangerous narcotics and weapons from entering our country and reaching our communities," stated Mancha.
On December 2, at the Port of Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, New Mexico, CBP officers intercepted 26 pounds of cocaine. The illicit substance was discovered during a non-intrusive inspection and canine search of a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old male, a Canadian citizen arriving from Mexico via the vehicle lanes.
On December 3, at the Antelope Wells border crossing, Antelope Wells, New Mexico, CBP officers encountered a male Mexican citizen traveling with his family via the vehicle lanes. During a secondary inspection, officers discovered several concealed packages within the vehicle's center console. Further investigation revealed not only narcotics but also a cache of weapons, including shotguns, revolvers, pistols, rifles, and weapon parts hidden within the packages.
These successful interceptions underscore the ongoing challenges faced by CBP officers in preventing the illegal flow of drugs and weapons across the border. The agency remains committed to its mission of ensuring the safety and security of the United States.