TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now/AP) -
Federal authorities say they've made one of their largest marijuana seizures
ever at an Arizona border crossing.
At a news conference Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials
showed the 7 tons of marijuana seized Jan. 15 at a commercial truck crossing
point. It was at the Mariposa port of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border in
Nogales, Ariz.
The 600 bales of pot were wrapped in plastic with each bale weighing between
25 and 30 pounds.
In all, authorities say the marijuana found hidden in a tractor trailer
weighed more than 14,000 pounds. The drugs were discover in the back bumper,
all four doors, center console, firewall, rear seats, floor and air filter
housing.
CBP officials say their previous largest marijuana seizure at an Arizona
border crossing was about 12,000 pounds in 2010.
A 26-year-old Mexican man accused of driving the truck is in federal custody.
He has been identified as Aldo Alvarado of Pima, AZ. A passenger in the truck,
19-year-old Raul Mora of Phoenix was also arrested.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press and Tucson News Now. All rights
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