Two Teenagers Attempt to Smuggle Methamphetamine Across the Border

EL PASO, TEXAS-- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the El Paso port of entry made two methamphetamine seizures this past week. Both violators were 17-years-old and had drugs strapped to their bodies.

The first seizure was made just before 1 p.m. when a 17-year-old U.S. citizen male arrived as a pedestrian at the Bridge of the Americas. CBP officers working the primary inspection station noted that the teen was nervous and evasive during routine processing. CBP officers also noted a bulge in the lower groin area of the border crosser. An inspection confirmed the presence of a package taped to his waist and groin area. The package was removed and found to contain two bundles filled with a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. The drugs weighed 2.75 pounds.

The second methamphetamine seizure was made just after 5 p.m. when a 17-year-old U.S. citizen female arrived as a pedestrian at the Ysleta international crossing. CBP officers working the primary inspection station selected the border crosser for a canine exam. CBP drug sniffing dog “Basa” alerted to the subject. An inspection confirmed the presence of three packages attached to the leg of the subject. The packages were removed and found to contain a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. The drugs weighed 3.15 pounds.

“These two teenagers are facing charges associated with their failed attempt,”said Beverly Good, CBP El Paso Port Director, “becoming involved in the drug smuggling trade at any age has severe consequences as these two are now learning.”

CBP officers took both subjects into custody. They were turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety to face charges associated with the smuggling attempts.

While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.