Drug Seizures Decline at State Border Crossings
The amount of drugs seized at five California border crossings fell for the first time in four years, reflecting a post-Sept. 11 security crackdown and stepped-up enforcement in Colombia and Mexico, authorities said Friday.
U.S. Customs Service inspectors seized 158 tons of heroin, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine over the last 12 months. A year ago, the total was more than 244 tons.
Authorities were reluctant to pat themselves on the back, noting that seizures had risen in Texas and New Mexico, which suggests smugglers may be looking eastward.
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