2 tons of pot netted on I-40

By Leslie Wood
Staff writer

GALLUP — Local Port of Entry officials confiscated nearly two tons of marijuana during a pair inspections at the facility this week.

Lt. Robert Baca said officials found about 2,170 pounds of marijuana in a tractor-trailer truck hauling furniture at about 4 a.m. Thursday. The drugs have a street value of nearly $5 million.

The discovery was made during a routine inspection. The truck’s trailer contained 39 boxes and 106 bales of the illegal drug that was reportedly bound for the eastern portion of the United States.

At least two people were detained in connection with the find and were taken to the Drug Enforcement Agency in Albuquerque for further investigation. They will most likely face federal charges, Baca said.

The marijuana was subsequently transported to Albuquerque as potential evidence in any criminal case; however, the transport vehicle was involved in an accident while en route to the agency.

The port of entry employee was not injured during the accident that was most likely caused by a blown tire.

The second discovery occurred at about 9:30 p.m. at the port of entry station. About 1,400 pounds of marijuana was found in a tractor-trailer hauling vitamins during a cargo inspection.

Problems in the driver’s paperwork prompted officials to conduct the search.

The driver was taken to the Albuquerque branch of the Drug Enforcement Agency for further investigation.

The suspect’s names were not immediately available.
DEA officials did not return The Independent’s request for comment Friday afternoon.