EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Ysleta port of entry seized approximately 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine. The drugs were concealed under a 15-year-old’s clothing, strapped to his back and waist area.

Drugs strapped to teen smuggler.

“Drug trafficking organizations will use anyone and any imaginable method to smuggle in dangerous drugs,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “In this case, using a young teenager to attempt to get their narcotics past the officers failed.”

The seizure occurred Sunday afternoon when a U.S. citizen arrived as a pedestrian from Mexico. CBP officers selected the teen for an intensive examination.

A layered enforcement approach helped in making this seizure which included officer awareness, experience, and a drug-sniffing canine team. The contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine.

The drugs were seized and the case remains under investigation.