Customs and Border Protection officers arrest two “Trusted Travelers”

Customs and Border Protection officers at Arizona’s Port of Nogales recently arrested two individuals with “Trusted Traveler” status after finding drugs in their vehicles.

The two individuals were enrolled in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States from Mexico.

On Nov. 28, officers at the Dennis DeConcini Crossing referred a 25-year-old woman for a secondary inspection of her Ford sedan when she attempted to enter the United States in a SENTRI lane. During the inspection, officers found nearly 48 pounds of methamphetamine worth almost $144,000 in the vehicle’s spare tire well.

On Nov. 30, officers at the same crossing referred a 77-year-old woman from Nogales, Arizona, for a secondary search of her GMC van when she attempted to enter the country through a SENTRI lane. Officers discovered more than 41 pounds of meth worth valued at more than $123,000 and more than 12 pounds of heroin worth approximately $216,000 in the van’s rear cargo area.

Officers arrested both women for narcotics smuggling and seized their vehicles and drugs. They lost their SENTRI privileges and were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.