U.S. Customs Seize Birds/Marijuana at New Mexico Ports

EL PASO, TEXAS U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers performing anti-terrorism operations at the New Mexico border ports of entry have made several noteworthy seizures in recent days. CBP officers seized two live birds and 249 pounds of marijuana. The bird seizure occurred on November 9 at the Santa Teresa crossing after a 2000 Chevrolet pickup with California license plates arrived at the port. CBP officers began searching the vehicle and noticed several empty bird cages. CBP officers asked if the travelers were transporting any live birds and were told no. CBP officers continued the exam and found two small plastic bags containing live finches wrapped in toilet paper tubes inside a purse. CBP turned over the birds, four bird cages, two nests, and three egg boxes to USDA veterinary services. CBP officers retained and analyzed bird food that was seized and found that it contained the seeds of three noxious weeds not normally found in the U.S. The owners of the birds were fined $250 and released. CBP officers at the Columbus port seized 249 pounds of marijuana in two recent incidents. On November 16, CBP officers discovered 87.5 pounds of marijuana hidden in a propane fuel tank of a 1990 Chevrolet pick up. The drugs were discovered after CBP officers x-rayed the vehicle and spotted an anomaly in the appearance of the propane tank. CBP drug Rsniffing dog Putter alerted to the tank. A total of 98 marijuana-filled bundles weighing 87.5 pounds were removed from the tank. The 24-year-old male driver from Chihuahua, Mexico, was turned over to Border Operations Task Force officers for prosecution. On November 14, CBP officers discovered 162.1 pounds of marijuana hidden in a 1990 Ford Bronco. The drugs were discovered after CBP officers x-rayed the vehicle and spotted an anomaly in the appearance of the quarter panels. CBP drug sniffing dog Putter searched the vehicle and also gave a positive alert. A total of 125 marijuana-filled bundles weighing 162.1 pounds were removed from the back seat, tailgate, and quarter panels of the vehicle. CBP officers also found 16 grams of methamphetamine in the drivers purse. ICE special agents arrested the driver, 34-year-old Kama Ann Whittle-Salmon of Arvada, Colorado, in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.