US Border Patrol arrests two Canadians with 80 pounds of cocaine near Metaline Falls
By Nelson Daily Staff
Two Canadians and and a Mexican national have been arrested after CBP Spokane Sector Border Patrol agents seized approximately 80 pounds of cocaine last week near Metaline Falls, Washington.
CBP estimates value of the cocaine is $801,020.
“This seizure and arrests are a direct result of the coordinated efforts between our CBP Border Patrol Agents and Air Interdiction Agents in support of our national security mission”, said Gloria Chavez, Chief of the Spokane Border Patrol Sector.
“It’s this kind of daily commitment, combined with specialized skills, that drives our agents to successfully interdict the flow of illicit contraband as we protect our border communities.”
This narcotics seizure was the result of effective tactical planning and active patrolling of remote border trails by Border Patrol Agents in the field.
Agents encountered the suspects and contraband approximately 11 miles north of Metaline Falls, Washington in the mountains around Salmo.
One of the suspects hid from agents and was tracked out the next day in a snow storm with critical support from the Office of Air and Marine, Spokane Air Branch.
All seized contraband and suspects were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further processing.
CBP is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s largest and most complex components, with a priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S.
It also has a responsibility for securing and facilitating trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws
