CBP makes four drug seizures at El Paso port Wednesday
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operation officers eized 323 pounds of marijuana in four seizures Wednesday.
Area CBP officers also nabbed four fugitives, seized prohibited agricultural products, confiscated counterfeit goods and stopped an outbound smuggling attempt.
“CBP officers remain focused and committed to the mission even as the area is experiencing unprecedented high temperatures,” said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Port Director. “I am proud of the dedication our personnel exhibit no matter how hot, cold or uncomfortable the weather may be.”
At about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Ysleta international crossing a 2002 Chevrolet Venture van with four people arrived from Mexico.
The occupants included a 24-year-old driver, her minor child, aunt and mother-in-law. CBP officers initiated an exam of the vehicle and located 37 tape-wrapped bundles concealed in a hidden compartment built into the floor of the van. The drugs weighed 63.85 pounds.
CBP officers took custody of the driver, 24-year-old Gabriela Colunga Montelongo of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt. Her three relatives were released.
