CBP officers foil cocaine smuggling attempt

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered cocaine valued at more than $605,000 during a vehicle inspection at the San Luis Port of Entry, an agency spokeswoman announced Tuesday afternoon.

On Nov. 6, CBP Officers assigned to the San Luis Port of Entry inspected a vehicle driven by a 27-year old woman. Suspicion levels rose during the vehicle primary inspection when discrepancies to the vehicle were noted by the primary officer.

During a more thorough inspection a narcotic detector dog was used and alerted the CBP officers to the rear of the vehicle. Packages containing more than 23 pounds of cocaine were found concealed in the cargo area.  

The woman was immediately arrested and turned over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

“Our CBP officer’s attention to detail and observational skills go without saying,” said Port Director William K. Brooks. "They are simply up for the challenges the drug trafficking organizations may attempt.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism. They screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States.

However, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in a number of enforcement actions in all categories, such as narcotics interdiction, enforcing of immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.