Associated Press - November 24, 2009 3:15 PM ET
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Two southern New Mexico teenagers have been arrested after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly 30 pounds of heroin at the El Paso, Texas, port of entry.
The pair, identified as 18-year-old Juan Carlos Martinez of Chaparral and 18-year-old Perla A. Ortiz of Anthony, were jailed on charges of importing a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Border officials say the heroin was found about 6 p.m. Monday at a downtown El Paso border crossing.
They say a drug-sniffing dog alerted to something in the floor of a car that had arrived from Mexico. Officers then found hidden compartments under both front seats and removed 12 bundles from them.
Officials say a white powder in one bundle tested positive for heroin.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
