Nogales CBP nets near record drug seizure

Nogales Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Arizona recently arrested two Mexican nationals in separate failed smuggling attempts, resulting in the discovery of more than 364 pounds of methamphetamine, worth almost $1,092,300.

Officers at the Mariposa Commercial Facility referred a 65-year-old man for further inspection of the tractor-trailer he was driving into the United States from Mexico and were alerted by a canine, leading to the discovery of the meth and the other drugs. Authorities said this is the third largest meth seizure of its kind by a CBP port of entry in Arizona.

The seizure also included six pounds of heroin, worth more than $100,000; almost 7 pounds of fentanyl, worth more than $95,000; and 6,000 suspected oxycodone pills, with a value of nearly $113,000.

The second suspect, a 38-year-old male, was referred for further inspection following a positive CBP canine alert at the DeConcini Crossing. Agents then found more than 21 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $239,200.

CBP is charged with the management, control, and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry while also keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country.