$700,000 Worth of Cocaine Seized from So-Called ‘Trusted Traveler’ at Arizona Border!
Trusted traveler in Arizona caught with over 67 pounds of cocaine hidden in her vehicle during a border inspection by CBP officers. đ #News #SanLuisAZ #Arizona #Crime
SAN LUIS, AZ â A 59-year-old U.S. citizen, who was part of a trusted traveler program, was caught with over 67 pounds of cocaine hidden in her vehicle at a southern Arizona border checkpoint. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers uncovered the illegal drugs during a routine inspection this past weekend.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning, Sept. 15, at the San Luis border crossing. The driver, a member of the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program, was traveling in a Toyota SUV. SENTRI is designed to allow faster processing for travelers who have been pre-approved as low risk.
Despite her SENTRI membership, the womanâs vehicle was flagged for further inspection. CBP officers, utilizing drug detection dogs, were alerted to possible contraband. A closer examination revealed a total of 25 packages of cocaine, stashed within the rear doors and quarter panels of the SUV. The seized narcotics weighed over 67 pounds and were valued at approximately $722,518.
CBP officers took immediate action, confiscating both the vehicle and the drugs. The woman was handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcementâs Homeland Security Investigations for further questioning.
âThe use of SENTRI is a privilege but participants are not exempt from inspection,â said Chris Leon, Area Port Director for San Luis, in a statement. âWe will continue to utilize multiple layers of inspection not only to expedite travel but to also appropriately scrutinize these Trusted Traveler lanes.â
CBP explained that every SENTRI applicant must pass a strict background check, submit biometric data like fingerprints, and attend an in-person interview before being approved for the program.
This incident serves as a reminder that while the SENTRI program speeds up border crossing for trusted travelers, CBP remains committed to ensuring security by thoroughly inspecting all vehicles when necessary.
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