Lukeville, Ariz. — A Glendale man was arrested Friday, October 12, for allegedly attempting to smuggle nearly $26,000 worth of marijuana into the United States through the Lukeville port of entry.

Customs and Border Protection officers referred Erick Gaxiola Jr., 25, for an additional inspection of his Ford SUV. A CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs inside a spare tire. Officers inspected the tire and found more than 51 pounds of marijuana hidden inside. The drugs and vehicle were processed for seizure and Gaxiola was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations.

click for hi-res A CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs inside a spare tire where CBP officers found more than 51 pounds of marijuana hidden inside.

Individuals arrested may be charged by complaint which is the method a person is charged with criminal activity, raising no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within CBP tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at U.S. ports of entry. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the U.S. while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. The mission also includes border-related duties such as narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.