Pine Valley, CA. — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 8 checkpoint in East San Diego County prevented a recent narcotics smuggling attempt that resulted in the seizure of more than 47 pounds of cocaine.
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On January 8, at approximately 10:30 a.m., agents encountered a 43-year-old male Mexican national driver of a light blue 2006 BMW X3 as he arrived at the checkpoint. During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection.
A CBP Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert to the driver’s side door. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a total of 20 bundles of cocaine concealed inside of the rocker panels on both sides of the vehicle.
The cocaine weighed a total 47.09 pounds and had an estimated street value of $470,900. The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The BMW was seized by the CBP U.S. Border Patrol.
To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the CBP U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity, contact San Diego Sector at (619)-498-9900.
The incident unfolded as El Paso Station agents were working approximately one-mile east of the Paso Del Norte port of entry. The agents encountered one subject immediately after he illegally entered the United States. The subject was later identified as 45-year-old Luis Rene Lemus, a Cuban National.
Lemus’ biographical and biometric information were submitted into the Integrated Automated Identification System (IAFIS). The system positively identified the subject and further revealed that Lemus had prior convictions for Sex Offense Against a Child/Fondling Conduct on a 16-year-old child, Cruelty to a Child, Child Abuse-no Great Bodily Harm and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Dependency of a Minor.
Lemus also has a prior immigration history of being previously ordered removed by an Immigration Judge in 2002. Lemus now faces charges for illegal re-entry into the U.S., and is currently being detained at the El Paso County Detention Facility awaiting prosecution.
This latest arrest of a convicted sexual offender is another prime example of the U.S. Border Patrol’s constant efforts to bring law violators to justice. Our mission is reflective in reduced criminal activity in the U.S. as we ensure the safety and security in our communities.
The United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted Victor Corona after his apprehension on March 23, 2011, for attempting to illegally re-enter the United States. During CBP processing at the Casa Grande Station, the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System revealed that Corona was previously convicted in 2010 for criminal restraint in the third degree in the state of New Jersey and sentenced to 187 days in jail.
Record checks also revealed Corona had previously been removed from the U.S. through Brownsville, Texas.
Following initial processing, CBP U.S. Border Patrol submitted the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for re-entry of a felon. Corona will be formally removed from the U.S. following his 30 month incarceration. He is now banned for life from all legalization processes.
All illegal immigrants apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using IAFIS. This vital tool accesses criminal records throughout the United States, thereby assisting agents to quickly identify violent criminals and wanted persons.
In January 2011, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol enhanced the Consequence Delivery System as an integral component of its enforcement strategy. CDS centers on delivering a targeted consequence to illegal immigrants, while simultaneously disrupting the smuggling cycle and reducing recidivism rates by ensuring consequences are upheld to the full extent of the law.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling (1-877) 872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
Wellton Station agents patrolling west of Gila Bend detected a group of seven individuals traveling on foot through the desert. Agents confronted the group carrying five burlap backpacks filled with marijuana.
The subjects are being processed for removal. The marijuana was seized for destruction per Yuma Sector guidelines.
The Border Patrol has made significant progress toward combating transnational criminal organizations by impacting their ability to transport contraband throughout the United States and ensuring smugglers face stiff federal penalties for their actions. In Arizona, the probability of being detected and the consequences of doing so are higher than ever before.
Naco Station agents, after witnessing suspected narcotics smugglers loading several bundles into a vehicle, followed the suspects while Tucson Air and Marine dispatched air support. The air crew spotted the vehicle and observed the driver abscond into the desert, attempting to hide in brush. Agents apprehended the driver and secured the vehicle, loaded with 16 bundles of marijuana. The driver, vehicle and marijuana were transported to the Naco Station for further processing. The driver is being held for federal prosecution.
The Border Patrol is committed to working with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to secure and keep communities safe. CBP’s OAM is an invaluable resource for assisting the Border Patrol and other agencies to secure the nation’s borders.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.
