19 year old arrested for drug smuggling

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Columbus port of entry seized 44 pounds of marijuana early Friday morning.

The seizure was made just before 4 a.m. Friday when a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado with a single male driver entered the port from Mexico.

A CBP officer working at the primary inspection station noted a number of issues during the primary exam and directed the driver to the secondary inspection area.

Officers used an X-ray system to scan the vehicle and noted a number of anomalies in the quarter panel and continued their exam locatting 35 drug-filled bundles in both rear quarter panels of the vehicle.

CBP officers took custody of the driver, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen.

He was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents to face charges associated with the failed drug smuggling attempt.

hte estimated street value of the seized contraband is $35,200.