Texas Border Businesses
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents working at El Paso-area ports of entry recorded multiple enforcement activities over the past 10 days. Activities included narcotics busts, fugitive arrests and multiple agriculture violations.
“While homeland security is our primary mission, the continued vigilance of CBP officers results in significant enforcement actions related to a wide variety of violations,” said Hector A. Mancha, director of field operations for CBP El Paso. “Every violation uncovered by CBP officers results in a safer community.”
The largest drug bust recorded during this period occurred at the Ysleta Port of Entry on August 19, when CBP officers operating under the recently announced enhanced enforcement of Operation Apollo X seized 150 pounds of methamphetamine.
The seizure occurred just after 4:00 p.m. when an 18-year-old U.S. male entered the port from Mexico driving a 2011 Dodge Journey. CBP Primary Inspection Area officers selected the vehicle for a Z-Portal secondary x-ray scan and found numerous external abnormalities. A CBP drug detection dog searched the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics.
CBP officers continued the inspection and found 129 bundles of methamphetamine in the door panels, roof, floor and rear bumper of the vehicle. The driver was detained and turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
In addition to these drugs, CBP officers in the area also seized additional methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana during this period.
CBP officers encountered 26 National Crime Information Center (NCIC) fugitives who were being pursued by law enforcement agencies. NCIC arrests included individuals being pursued on a variety of charges, including sexual exploitation of minors, fraud, drug charges and theft.
CBP agriculture specialists issued $3,125 in fines to 12 individuals attempting to transport prohibited agricultural products from Mexico into the United States. Items seized included pork, mangoes, pomegranates, and live plants. The public is urged to declare all products purchased abroad to CBP upon entry. If the declared items are found to be prohibited, they can usually be abandoned without penalty.
CBP officers seized two handguns and several rounds of ammunition during this period. Additionally, several intellectual property rights infringements were documented during this period, and over $90,000 in unreported cash was seized.
Suspects arrested by CBP officers have been turned over to federal and/or state authorities for prosecution.
