52-year-old arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine into the U.S.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP officers and Border Patrol agents have arrested a 52-year-old for allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine into the U.S.
The seizure of 9.6 pounds of cocaine happened at the Paso Del Norte bridge early Thursday morning.
It had an approximate value of $307,200.
“Smuggling organizations will use every imaginable method to get the narcotics through our international ports of entry,” said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Port Director. “This seizure compliments the focus and hard work that all our officers and agents put forth each and every day.”
CBP officers and BP agents were conducting a sweep of vehicles waiting in line at the international crossing when CBP drug sniffing dog “Doky” alerted to the vehicle. CBP officers and BP examined the car and found a non-factory compartment in the radiator of the car.
They drilled into the compartment and removed a white substance that tested positive for cocaine. A total of 4 cocaine-filled bundles were retrieved from the compartment.
Samuel Alberto Prieto of El Paso was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and booked into the El Paso County jail to face federal prosecution.
