Unusual Drug Concealment Methods

U.S. Department of Homeland Security El Paso Sector Customs and Border Protection 8901 Montana El Paso TX 79925

Office of Border Patrol (915) 834-8350

El Paso SectorRAU

Prepared on 09/01/10

Unusual Drug Concealment Methods

Drug: 9 lbs CocaineConcealment: BatteryDate: 04/09/10Location: Progresso Port of Entry

X-Ray Image Showing Hard Density of Dark Rectangular Shapes

Drug: No Contraband Found / BP AgentsBelieved Possibly Used to Conceal Contraband

Concealment: Fire ExtinguisherDate: 05/23/10Location: I-10 (Roadside) Indio, CA

US CurrencyConcealment: Party FavorsDate: 04/2010Location: Peru

Drug: Crystal MethConcealment: Deep UndercarriageDate: 03/07/2010Location: State Road 91, MM 307

Firearms & Ammo SeizureConcealment: Speaker Box & Spare

Tire CompartmentDate: 03/03/2010Location: Eagle Pass Port of Entry

Drug: 86.25 lbs Liquid PCP & 11.5 lbs Liquid CodeineConcealment: Fruit Juice CansDate: 07/19/2010Location: Sierra Blanca Station/Greyhound Bus Pax

Subjects Arrested ClaimedTo Have Been Successful on a Previous Attempt

Cans Appeared to be Factory Sealed / No

Visible Signs of Tampering

Drug: 24.67 lbs Cough Syrup w/ Liquid CodeineConcealment: Fuze & Arizona Drink ContainersDate: 04/02/2010Location: Sierra Blanca Station/Greyhound Bus Pax

K-9 Provided a StrongAlert to the Drink

Containers

Drug: 30.8 lbs CocaineConcealment: Fire ExtinguisherDate: 06/08/2009Location: Nogales Port of Entry (Commercial Facility)

Prepared by CBP-Nogales DIO-T J. Quirin from A-TCET images

Dummy gauge altered to read fullycharged. May be marked RCL JALISCOor PQS TEPEYAC Made in China.

Label has Spanish language useinstructions only – no brand or consumerinformation.

Bottles look new. No pressure testmarkings on the bottom.

EACH BOTTLE contained 2 KGs of COC.Seven bottles found in tractor tool/storagearea under sleeper.

Drug: 112 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Wood Planks to Trailer FloorDate: 04/24/2010Location: Douglas, AZ Port of Entry

Drug: 25.96 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Rubber Tubing Similar to a HoseDate: 01/25/2010Location: Ciudad Juarez / Mexican Military

Note That This Method ofConcealment is Believed toHave Been Used to PassContraband Through Fenceor Storm Crates

Drug: Ukn lbs CocaineConcealment: Styrofoam Peanut Packaging MaterialDate: UnkLocation: Unk

Firearm – Hand GunConcealment: Paint CanDate: 04/2010Location: Unk

The following homemade “hide a can” device information was forwarded to the El Paso Operations Center from the Office of Intelligence and Operations Coordination. It is being disseminated as an officer safety alert so that all may be aware of these type of instruments when conducting searches.

Drug: 6,710 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Spools of HayDate: 02/07/2010Location: BP and DEA Joint Op / Rio Grand City

Drug: 769.56 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Nylon Rope SpoolsDate: 05/07/2009Location: BOTA Commercial Import Facility

Darker Areas on Spools From X-ray ImageShow HeavierDensity-Marijuana

Drug: 37.58 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Beer & Soda CansDate: 05/13/2010Location: YSL Port of Entry

X-Ray Image1992 Intl. Tractor

X-Ray Image of Bundles

236 lbs Marijuana Hidden in Fuel Tank

Drug: 236 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Saddle Fuel TanksDate: 05/07/2010Location: BOTA Commercial Import Facility

Drug: 1.21 lbs HeroinConcealment: Oversized Sport ShoesDate: 05/09/2010Location: PDN Pedestrian Lanes

Drug: 203 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Propane TankDate: 02/24/2010Location: BOTA Port of Entry

Drug: 7.30 lbs CocaineConcealment: BatteryDate: 01/23/2010Location: BOTA Port of Entry

Drug: 33.11 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Picture FramesDate: 02/19/2010Location: PDN Port of Entry

Drug: 627 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Jalapeno Pepper ShipmentDate: 01/14/2010Location: BOTA Import Facility

Jalapeno Peppers– Top

Marijuana- Bottom

Drug: 7.79 lbs MarijuanaConcealment: Brake DrumsDate: 12/22/2009Location: YSL Port of Entry

Bundles Hidden in Brake Drum