366 pounds of marijuana seized

Border agents also arrest 26 smuggled into the U.S.

LAS CRUCES — Border Patrol agents in southern New Mexico seized 366 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $290,000, last week and arrested 26 people who had been smuggled into the United States, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

On Sept. 15, agents arrested 27-yearold Fernando Monsivais Reyna, of Mexico, who was driving a “suspicious” Chevrolet pickup on N.M. 9 in Hachita, the release stated. When the agents approached the pickup after deflating its tires, they found 20 people hiding in the bed and cab. They also found “several small bricks” that later tested positive for marijuana.

The pickup was carrying about 210 pounds of marijuana, valued at $168,000, according to the release.

Earlier that day, agents in Deming arrested 31-year-old Saul Corral Jaquez, of Mexico, who was driving a dark-colored sedan, also on N.M. 9, the release stated. Agents found 156 pounds of marijuana, valued at $124,800, in the trunk of the sedan.

Also on Sept. 15, agents said they foiled another smuggling attempt about 21 miles from the Santa Teresa station. They arrested Adan Romero, a U.S. citizen, who was driving a sportutility vehicle toward N.M. 9. After the agents deflated the SUV’s tires, Romero exited the vehicle and tried to hide in a mesquite bush, but he was later found and detained, according to the release.

Agents subsequently detained six people found in the pickup, the release stated.