‘Low-risk’ travelers caught smuggling 101 pounds of narcotics across US border
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Two “not-so-trustworthy travelers” have been caught attempting to smuggle over 100 pounds of narcotics past U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.
According to CBP, officers intercepted two separate SENTRI members attempting to smuggle a total of $1 million worth of narcotics at the ports of entry of San Ysidro and Otay Mesa.
SENTRIor Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, is a CBP program that provides expedited clearance for “pre-approved low-risk travelers” upon arrival in the United States
Authorities said the first stop occurred around 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, when officers encountered a 71-year-old man driving a pickup truck through the dedicated commuter lane. During an initial inspection of the vehicle, officers noticed that the truck’s spare tire had been tampered with.
Another inspection found “irregularities” in the tire, which contained a total of 54 packs of methamphetamine. The total weight of the packages was 49.03 pounds with an estimated street value of $322,480.
At around 4:50 a.m. the next day, CBP officers encountered a 21-year-old man driving a 2007 Toyota sedan in the dedicated commuter lane.
Further inspection of the vehicle revealed packages of 20 packages of cocaine hidden in the back seat. The narcotics had a combined weight of 52.11 pounds and an estimated street value of $827,400.
CBP officers seized both vehicles and narcotics. Both drivers were arrested on alleged drug smuggling attempts and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation.
