CUSTOMS AGENTS SEIZE FIREWORKS, DRUGS AT BORDER

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- U.S. Customs agents confiscated at least 50 large cartons
of illegal fireworks and 2,342 pounds of marijuana along the
California-Mexico border over the Fourth of July weekend.

Customs and immigration officials said 236,750 cars and 157,612 pedestrians
crossed the border over the three-day holiday weekend. At least 42 people
were arrested on drug possession charges.

Some people were cited for trying to smuggle into the United States
firecrackers almost 10 inches long and an inch-and-a-half in diameter,
authorities said.

In the past five months, U.S. Customs agents have confiscated nearly
200,000 pounds of drugs at California ports of entry. That includes 195,201
pounds of marijuana; 2,069 pounds of cocaine; 642 pounds of
methamphetamine; and 33 pounds of heroin.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski