Customs and Border Protection officers made history Friday when they arrested a Mexican national for an alleged attempt to smuggle more than 387 pounds of methamphetamine through the Port of Nogales. It was the largest meth seizure in Arizona port history.
CBP officers utilized a narcotics detection canine to locate a record-level of meth within the trailer of a vehicle which was carrying a load of bell peppers CBP officers utilized a narcotics detection canine to locate a record-level of meth within the trailer of a vehicle which was carrying a load of bell peppers
Officers at the Mariposa Commercial Facility referred Juan Rodolfo Lugo-Urias, 35, of Playas De Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, for further inspection of a tractor-trailer load of bell peppers when he attempted to enter the U.S. After a CBP narcotics-detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs inside the trailer’s front wall and rear doors, officers removed nearly 400 packages of meth worth more than $1.1 million.
Officers seized the drugs and vehicle, and turned Lugo over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Nogales Port Director Guadalupe Ramirez applauded officers for the seizure. “This significant interception is a testament to the vigilance and skills of the dedicated officers at the Port of Nogales.”