CUSTOMS OFFICER CHARGED IN PLOT TO SMUGGLE POT

CALEXICO -- A U.S. Customs Service inspector conspired with smugglers to
allow loads of marijuana through a Southern California border crossing,
federal authorities said yesterday.

Inspector Carlos A. Dominguez, 33, of Yuma, Ariz., was arrested early
Thursday on his way to work at the border crossing in Calexico.

Dominguez, an inspector for two years, pleaded innocent to one count of
conspiracy to import marijuana, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Robinson.

The inspector had been the focus of a four-month investigation. He was paid
at least $20,000 to allow large quantities of marijuana, more than 300
kilograms (660 pounds) at a time, into the United States, it was alleged in
court papers. The most recent load was 559 pounds Monday, the papers stated.

"It saddens us when a fellow officer is arrested," said Rudy M. Camacho,
director of Southern California field operations for the Customs Service.
"Nothing is more important to our mission than the integrity of our employees."

Dominguez, who was held without bail, faces from 10 years to life in prison
if convicted, Robinson said. A hearing on whether to release him on bail is
scheduled for Wednesday.