Officer at Douglas Port Apprehend Teen Smuggling Marijuana

January 14, 2010 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they apprehended a 17-year-old boy trying to smuggle marijuana. On January 12 at about 3 p.m., CBP officers were screening travelers when a special trained CBP K-9 Team showed interest in a 1992 Buick Regal being driven by a 17-year-old boy. The boy was identified as a resident of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. The CBP officers searched the vehicle and discovered packages of marijuana concealed in the front bumper. The marijuana weighed about 18 pounds and had an estimated street value of over $40,000.

CBP officers seized the marijuana and the vehicle. The boy was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation and prosecution.

“Smuggling of any contraband into the United States is a very serious offense” said Ernestine Morris, Assistant Port Director for the Douglas port of entry,” these young kids think that because they are minors, that the consequences of breaking the law will be minimal; they couldn’t be more wrong. Even a minor can face criminal charges that can have an adverse affect on future goals and opportunities for the rest of their life. When it comes to securing our nation’s borders age plays no factor.”