September 16, 09

NEWS / CBP Officers at Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge Find Marijuana Hidden in Truck Tires, 1 Arrested

Pharr, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge seized close to 162 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of close to $130,000.


On September 14, CBP officers working at the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 2001 Chevrolet pickup truck. After the initial primary inspection, the vehicle and female driver were referred to secondary for an intensive examination. In secondary, officers noted discrepancies to the truck’s four tires. “Axel,” a narcotic detector dog, alerted officers to the presence of narcotic odors emanating from the truck’s tires. A non-intrusive image scan revealed anomalies within the tires.

While conducting an intensive examination of the vehicle, officers found all four tires concealing a total of 16 marijuana packages. The driver, identified as Mayra Lee Janet Becho, a U.S. citizen, age 19 from Mission, Texas was arrested on federal drug charges.


After her arrest, Becho was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents who continue to investigate this failed smuggling attempt. Pending appearance before a U.S. Magistrate, Becho remains incarcerated. CBP officers seized the marijuana and the Chevy pickup truck.


Hector A. Mancha, CBP port director, Hidalgo/Pharr said, “Our officers and K-9 units did great work in intercepting this drug load.” Mancha further said, “I commend my officers for a job well done.”

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/09152009_3.xml