Feds collar marijuana smuggler at border

The Associated Press

1/10/2008

EL CENTRO, Calif. — Border patrol agents at El Centro, Calif., stopped the driver of an 18-wheeler who was trying to smuggle 370 pounds of marijuana into the United States early Wednesday, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

When the big rig approached the checkpoint about 3:30 a.m., a K-9 unit alerted agents of possible contraband.

The tractor-trailer was stopped for further inspection and a search revealed the narcotics.

Border patrol agents seized 18 bundles of marijuana weighing a total of 370 pounds with an approximate value of $296,000, officials said.

The truck driver, his rig and the contraband were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration pending further investigation and possible criminal charges.