U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in the El Paso area seized 64 pounds of methamphetamine last Friday at the Ysleta port of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha said, "CBP officers remain steadfast in their efforts to execute their primary homeland security mission." He added, "Their inspections will often uncover multiple violations and help separate law-abiding travelers from those who pose a risk to our community," as reported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 56 bundles of drugs hidden in the back seat and spare tire of a 2008 Ford F-150 driven by a 32-year-old Mexican man arriving from Mexico. The drugs were discovered after a routine scan showed irregularities, leading to a physical inspection and a drug-sniffing dog alert. The driver was turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety and faces state charges. In a separate case at the Paso Del Norte international crossing, officers seized 180 rooster gaffs and 7,500 Viroton animal steroid tablets, issuing a $2,000 fine to the traveler.
Thirty National Crime Information Center fugitives were apprehended in the past week, with charges ranging from assault and drug violations to vehicle theft, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists issued 16 civil penalties totaling nearly $4,000 for attempts to smuggle prohibited food products. A significant number of these fines were related to raw eggs from Mexico, which are banned to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Virulent Newcastle disease. Since January, more than 90 individuals have been caught trying to bring raw eggs into the United States. Travelers are advised to declare all agricultural products to avoid potential fines and penalties.
