borderfirereport.net

A 46-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from El Salvador approached the inspection area today of an Arizona checkpoint in a 1995 Freightliner XL tractor pulling a trailer. While in the inspection area, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the possibility of humans or other contraband hidden within the trailer. The tractor and trailer were referred to the secondary inspection area for further investigation.

While inspecting the contents of the trailer, Border Patrol agents discovered several bundles of marijuana covered in laundry soap and concealed among cardboard bails. The bundles weighed approximately 1,780 pounds with an estimated value of $712,000.

The driver, marijuana, and tractor-trailer were turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Border Patrol K-9s are one of the resources utilized by the Border Patrol at traffic checkpoints to detect humans, narcotics and other contraband. The K-9’s exceptional ability to smell humans and contraband in hidden compartments increases the enforcement efficiency of the agents working at the Tucson Sector checkpoints while creating obstacles for smuggling organizations trying to move their illicit cargo.

To date, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 608,000 pounds of marijuana since October 1, 2007.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

---