Border Patrol seizes meth, marijuana

A 55-year-old man from Camp Verde, Ariz., was arrested Sunday for attempting to smuggle more than 102 pounds of marijuana through the Port of Lukeville.

Customs and Border Protection officers selected Philip Daniel Copas for a secondary inspection of the Chevrolet van he was driving. During the inspection, officers found 63 bundles of marijuana, valued at a combined $51,000, throughout the vehicle and in the spare tire.

Copas was referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The drugs and vehicle were seized.

On Monday, a Mexican national is in custody in connection with a failed attempt to smuggle more than 12 pounds of meth into the United States through the Port of San Luis.

Customs and Border Protection officers referred Victor Alfonso Payan-Beltran, 29, of San Luis, Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, for inspection of his Nissan sedan when he attempted to enter the U.S. After a CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle’s frame and front bumper, officers removed 12 packages of meth valued at $192,665.

The drugs and vehicle were seized. Payan was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.