November 24, 09

NEWS / U.S. Citizens Attempt to Smuggle 10-Year-Old Child through Douglas Port of Entry

Douglas, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Douglas port of entry arrested two Douglas women for attempting to smuggle a 10-year-old child into the United States.


On November 19 at about 4 p.m. CBP officers were screening passengers and vehicles when they came in contact with a vehicle being driven by a 21-year-old Douglas woman and her mother. CBP officers became suspicious of the two women when they questioned the relationship between them and a 10-year-old girl that was accompanying them.


Further investigation revealed that the two women were actually attempting to smuggle the 10-year-old girl into the United States for monetary gain.


“Child smuggling is never routine ” said George De La Ossa, supervisor for Passenger Processing at the Douglas port of entry ” to see these young children separated from family; subjected to the smuggler’s discretion can be heart wrenching. CBP officers are committed to protect the traveling public and many times are called upon to defend those that fall victim to the smuggler’s schemes. We are the guardians of our nation and must forever remain vigilant.”


CBP officers seized the vehicle. The two Douglas women were held by CBP officers for further investigation.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/11202009_7.xml