3 TONS OF MARIJUANA SEIZED IN FURNITURE SHIPMENT

EL PASO - U.S. Customs Inspectors have seized more than three tons of
marijuana concealed in a shipment of wooden furniture arriving from Mexico.

Officials at the Ysleta port of entry were examining a 1992 Peterbilt
tractor-trailer on Friday when a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the trailer.

After unloading the shipment of furniture, Customs inspectors found 610
marijuana bundles in 120 boxes. Customs special agents interviewed and
released the driver and are continuing to investigate the incident.

Drug seizure activity for Customs officers in West Texas and New Mexico is
continuing at a record-setting pace.

In the first eight months of fiscal year 2002, which began Oct. 1, area
Customs officers have seized 252,226 pounds of marijuana, cocaine and heroin.

During the same eight-month period last year, area officers had seized
198,022 pounds of marijuana, cocaine and heroin.