U.S. AGENTS SEIZE POT FROM FAKE BORDER PATROL CARS

TUCSON, Ariz. (Reuters) - Federal agents on Wednesday seized nearly a ton
of marijuana concealed inside two sport utility vehicles painted to
resemble U.S. Border Patrol units and intercepted at the Mexican border,
authorities said.

The vehicles, which featured the U.S Border Patrol logo and painted-on
government license plates, were stopped before dawn by Border Patrol and
U.S. Customs agents near Palominas, Arizona, about 70 miles southeast of
Tucson.

Inside, the agents discovered large bundles containing about 1,900 pounds
of marijuana, authorities said.

"This joint enforcement action underscores the fine working relationship
between U.S. Customs and the Border Patrol and serves as a preview of
things to come under the Department of Homeland Security," said Lee Morgan,
Customs Resident Agent in Charge in Douglas, Arizona.

Agents arrested the driver of one of the vehicles, an illegal immigrant
from Mexico who will remain in federal custody pending prosecution on drug
smuggling charges. The other driver fled.