31-year-old man arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle 15 pounds of cocaine into US
A 31-year-old man was arrested Tuesday at the Paso Del Norte bridge for allegedly trying to smuggle 15 pounds of cocaine into the U.S.
The cocaine is valued at about $480,000.
CBP officers arrested the driver, Ramon Gonzalez Garcia, of Acuna, Mexico. He was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents, and arrested on federal charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
“Smuggling organizations will use every method imaginable to get narcotics through our international ports of entry,” said Beverly Good, CBP El Paso Port Director. “This seizure compliments the focus and hard work that our officers put forth each and every day.”
The seizure was made at about 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 after a 1992 Ford F-150 arrived at the port from Mexico.
A CBP officer at the primary inspection station selected the vehicle for an intensive exam and CBP drug sniffing dog “Frankie” alerted officers to the rear undercarriage of the truck.
CBP officials say CBP officers examined the gas tank and found a hidden compartment in the gas tank. They removed a total of 12 cocaine-filled bundles which in total weighed about 15 pounds.
CBP officers at the El Paso port of entry made three additional drug busts during the same period, seizing a total of 1,500.14 pounds of marijuana. CBP officers also identified and apprehended four fugitives.
