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Two Bit · 12-13-2007, 09:18 AM

This was on UvaldeRadio.com news (a on-line service affiliated with the Uvalde TX newspaper) 12-04-07
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Hidden compartments in an RV , discovered by Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents running a highway checkpoint near Del Rio, yielded more than 600 pounds of marijuana Thursday afternoon.

Agents performed an intensive inspection of the 1989 Chevrolet Bounder after a service canine alerted to the rear and pasenger side panel of the RV. While in secondary inspection, consent was given for an interior K-0 scent search, the K-9 immediately alerted to the floorboard area. A complete and through searchc of the RV revealed that portions of the RV had been modified. The exterior luggage compartments had been modified with false walls and in the interior of the RV, an elevated false floor had been constructed. The hidden compartments contained approximately 197 bundles of marijuana. Agents recovered a little over 620 pounds of marijuana, valued at nearly $500,000.

The mariuana and drivers were turned over to the Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement . The Chevrolet Bounder was turned over to the Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Office of Vehicle Seizure and Asset Forfeiture.

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Point of this post is.......Dont take it personal if your RV is searched at a border checkpoint or you are stopped by the Border Patrol within about a 100 miles of an international border. Smuggling using modified and non-modified RV's is a common practice that is occuring more and more often.

Although I never go into Mexico, I take our RV through nearby border checkpoints on the US side (they place them usually within 100 miles of the border) several times a year and, even though I'm a 20 year law enforcement officer I always ID myself and ask them if they need to look anywhere, and would open any compartment they ask me to. I know of several cases where smugglers have used not only RV's but imposter vehicles made up to look like highway dept trucks, police cars, and yes even Border Patrol vehicles. I have seen them run a dog around all types of supposedly "official" vehicles. So just remember it is nothing personal, they are just doing their job.

Happy RVing over the CHRISTmas season and be safe.

Two Bit · 12-13-2007, 09:18 AM

This was on UvaldeRadio.com news (a on-line service affiliated with the Uvalde TX newspaper) 12-04-07
************
Hidden compartments in an RV , discovered by Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents running a highway checkpoint near Del Rio, yielded more than 600 pounds of marijuana Thursday afternoon.

Agents performed an intensive inspection of the 1989 Chevrolet Bounder after a service canine alerted to the rear and pasenger side panel of the RV. While in secondary inspection, consent was given for an interior K-0 scent search, the K-9 immediately alerted to the floorboard area. A complete and through searchc of the RV revealed that portions of the RV had been modified. The exterior luggage compartments had been modified with false walls and in the interior of the RV, an elevated false floor had been constructed. The hidden compartments contained approximately 197 bundles of marijuana. Agents recovered a little over 620 pounds of marijuana, valued at nearly $500,000.

The mariuana and drivers were turned over to the Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement . The Chevrolet Bounder was turned over to the Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Office of Vehicle Seizure and Asset Forfeiture.

**************
Point of this post is.......Dont take it personal if your RV is searched at a border checkpoint or you are stopped by the Border Patrol within about a 100 miles of an international border. Smuggling using modified and non-modified RV's is a common practice that is occuring more and more often.

Although I never go into Mexico, I take our RV through nearby border checkpoints on the US side (they place them usually within 100 miles of the border) several times a year and, even though I'm a 20 year law enforcement officer I always ID myself and ask them if they need to look anywhere, and would open any compartment they ask me to. I know of several cases where smugglers have used not only RV's but imposter vehicles made up to look like highway dept trucks, police cars, and yes even Border Patrol vehicles. I have seen them run a dog around all types of supposedly "official" vehicles. So just remember it is nothing personal, they are just doing their job.

Happy RVing over the CHRISTmas season and be safe.

Every Miles A Memory · 12-13-2007, 05:34 PM

Just went through a few of these check points near Tucson Arizona, and was amazed at how they just waved 90% of the vehicles through.

I expected a search as we were coming from the border (Hadnt crossed, we were just camping in Organ Pipe National Park)but no such thing?

The wife and I both commented on how many hiding places an RV would have and thought we would be searched.

I'll bet that one that was found, was smelling like it had just ran over a skunk with all that weed in there...LOL

Thanks for the post

Pat

Ray,IN · 12-14-2007, 02:26 PM

Two years ago we were stopped at three checkpoints in AZ, and one in NM. All of them, after checking both our ID's, and asking a few questions waved us along. I was pleased at the friendlness and courtesy the agents displayed. We applaud their efforts and dedication!

Every Miles A Memory · 12-15-2007, 10:13 AM

I'll second that. At every check point we've been stopped at, the friendliness and courtesy has been top notch.

I too would like to personally shake everyone of their hands and pat them on the back!

Rainbow · 12-21-2007, 05:55 AM

Reminds me of the scene in the old Cheech Martin movie, Born in East LA, where he stowed away in a middle aged smugler couple's motorhome trying to get back into the country.
A hallarious movie if you remember or ever come across it.

TXiceman · 12-21-2007, 06:05 AM

When we were living in Oklahoma, the locals stopped an RV and the drug K-9 was a bit agitated so they let him out to sniff around. The dog kept going to the sewer drain hook up.

They had several kilos of stuff in the black tank. Completely bagged and chemicals, but the dog still found it. Now you why they say...it was some really good.......

Ken