6-09-2024 4:47am

Border Patrol Update: Drugs Seized in Alamogordo, Stash Houses and Las Cruces Arrests

Chris Edwards Editor

The El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol office provides law enforcement support for the counties of El Paso and Hudspeth in the state of Texas and the entire state of New Mexico.

The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector announced a recent apprehension at the Alamogordo Station Checkpoint USBP Agents successfully seized 56.6 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a vehicle's gas tank. The discovery was made possible by the initial alert of a K9 unit, highlighting the crucial role our K9 teams play in protecting our borders & communities.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection US Border Patrol Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA

The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector announced that they made more arrests this weekend from stash houses bringing their Fiscal Year 2024 to date totals to 190 stash houses intercepted and over 1,900 migrant apprehensions.

On 6-5-24 Las Cruces BP Agents disrupted a Mexican national attempting to smuggle 32 migrants stowed in a box truck at a USBP Checkpoint. The smuggler involved faces 8 USC 1324 charges. Immigration And Customs Enforcement (ICE) U.S. Customs and Border Protection US Border Patrol.

Failed Smuggling Scheme in Las Cruces USBP Agents assisted New Mexico State Police w/ the apprehension of 13 migrants and juveniles in the group. The smuggler & driver, both from Mexico, will be prosecuted w/Child Abuse and Kidnapping.

Las Cruces Agents seized codeine, MJ, oxycodone, & $7,600 dollars during a traffic check on Interstate 10.

The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector is seeing an increase in heat and dehydration injuries and fatalities among migrants attempting to cross the border illegally in the El Paso Sector which includes New Mexico as temperatures have risen above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the past few days.

During the weekend, Border Patrol agents here responded to several emergency situations involving individuals suffering from severe heat-related illnesses. Tragically, there have been four deaths due to heat stroke and dehydration during previos weekend, underscoring the lethal risks associated with illegal border crossings during extreme weather conditions.

As temperatures soar and summer approaches, the treacherous conditions of the desert are proving increasingly dangerous.

The El Paso Sector Border Patrol is intensifying its efforts to prevent these tragedies through increased patrols and deployment of specialized Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Teams (BORSTAR). These BORSTAR teams are equipped with advanced technology, including drones and heat-sensing devices, to locate and assist distressed individuals more rapidly.

El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good emphasized the dangers, saying, "The desert environment is extremely unforgiving, especially during the summer months. We urge anyone considering crossing illegally to understand the severe risks involved. Our agents are working tirelessly to save lives. But the best way to stay safe is not to attempt an illegal crossing."

In Fiscal Year 2024 to date more than 656 humanitarian rescues have been conducted in El Paso Sector.

The El Paso Sector Border Patrol has also launched the campaign, titled "No Se Arriesgue: Dangers of Crossing the Border" which includes radio and social media messages targeting key regions where illegal crossings are most prevalent. The goal is to inform and deter individuals from making the hazardous journey. The Border Patrol is also collaborating closely with Mexican authorities to address the safety issue from both sides of the border. Combined efforts include sharing intelligence, conducting joint patrols and coordinating rescue operations. This bi-national cooperation is crucial to reduce the risks of injury and the number of fatalities.

Members of the community are encouraged to report any sightings of distressed individuals to the appropriate authorities immediately by calling 911 for emergency services.

CBP is committed to protecting lives and maintaining the security of the border. The agency will continue to adapt and enhance its strategies to address the ongoing challenges posed by illegal border crossings during extreme weather conditions