Over a ton of pot is seized at N.M. border

COLUMBUS — Federal authorities said more than a ton of marijuana has been seized from a big rig at the New Mexico border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the 2,387 pounds of pot was the largest seizure at the Columbus port of entry since a 2,323-pound bust in March 1998. Officials said the tractor-trailer from Mexico was hauling a load of ceramic floor tiles when it entered the port Tuesday afternoon.

A drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to the cargo, where officers said they found a wrapped bundle hidden in a hollowed box of tile.

Officers said they seized 467 marijuana-filled packages from the shipment.

CBP officials said no arrests were immediately made and their investigation was continuing Wednesday.