U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 1,061 pounds of marijuana in a single seizure Tuesday. A New Mexico woman traveling with her two children was arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt. The estimated street value of the seized contraband is $848,800.
The seizure occurred Tuesday just after 11:00 p.m. at the Ysleta international crossing at the El Paso port of entry when a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup arrived from Mexico. CBP officers initiated an exam and then selected the vehicle for a secondary exam. CBP drug sniffing dog “Johan” searched the truck and alerted to the presence of drugs. CBP officers pulled back a portion of a quarter panel and spotted a bundle. A full inspection of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of drugs in the panels, gas tank, floor and spare tire of the truck. CBP officers recovered 518 marijuana-filled weighing 1,061 pounds from the vehicle.
CBP officers took custody of the driver, 32-year-old Palma Lyon of Socorro, New Mexico. She is currently detained at the El Paso County jail with no bond. The children were turned over to a relative.
