Saturday, March 22, 2008 - Page updated at 05:37 AM
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
Teen Accused of Carrying Pot-Filled Cans
It didn't look quite right to federal agents when the high school student strolled into the U.S. border crossing while carrying six enormous cans of vegetables.
After agents took X-rays of one can, their suspicions were confirmed. It turned out the industrial-size containers of hominy and jalapeno peppers actually were stuffed with 25 pounds of marijuana, agents said.
The cans normally hold about 5 pounds of vegetables and are commonly used in food service and restaurants, U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Roger Maier said.
The 17-year-old, a U.S. citizen who lives in Juarez, Mexico, had declared she was just bringing in some food, She was turned over to the El Paso County Sheriff's Department.
In all, CBP officers in El Paso, West Texas and New Mexico made 10 marijuana seizures totaling 805 pounds on Wednesday.
"These cases clearly illustrate that smuggling organizations will use any means imaginable in their attempts to introduce contraband into the United States," said Arthur Gonzales, acting CBP El Paso port director.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Obama warns of 'difficult' days in Iraq, pledges support for troops
Top Iran clerics decry election, defy supreme leader
Sailor recounts girl's rescue after plane crash
Obituary: Beijing opera singer inspired 'Madame Butterfly'
Bill fails to focus on cutting oil use

nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Desert-lobster dispute turns pair into sagebrush heroes
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Woman accuses Sounders FC player Nate Jaqua of sexual assault, seeks more than $10 million
- Rob Johnson's double in 11th powers Mariners past Red Sox, 7-6
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Lake Washington's sockeye run may hit a record low
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack
- Art and conversation flow from hands and heart of artist Mandy Greer
- Fire danger already here in parched NW forests
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.





