Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer

Two New Mexico residents were arrested by United States Customs and Border Protection officers Monday at an El Paso port of entry for allegedly smuggling 29.6 pounds of heroin.

CBP officers arrested the driver of the vehicle transporting the drugs, 18 year-old Juan Carlos Martinez and passenger 18 year-old Perla A. Ortiz. Martinez and Ortiz are currently being detained at the El Paso County Jail. The two face charges of importation of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance charges.

The CBP officers selected the pair’s 1999 Mercury Cougar for a random exam and drug-sniffing dog searched the car and alerted the officers to a possible drug find in the floor. Officers inspected the floor of the vehicle and round hidden compartments under both front seats with 12 bundles of heroin.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, please contact the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer Ian Inglis by calling 512-472-1950.