Where there's a wheel, there's a way: Border agents find crystal meth strapped to legs of paraplegic

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported Tuesday that they found more than a pound of crystal methamphetamine taped to the legs of a paraplegic man at the border between Mexico and Presidio, Texas.

"Smugglers have no scruples when it comes to getting narcotics across the border," said John Deputy, CBP's Presidio port director. "It is unfortunate, but even individuals with disabilities can serve as an avenue to smuggle drugs."

Photo credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CBP said a taxi pulled up to a border inspection area in Texas on Oct. 22 that was carrying the man from Mexico. As he was patted down, a CBP officer noted "suspicious bulges" on his thighs.

After the passenger was helped to his wheelchair, he was escorted to a secure location, and agents found two bundles taped to his thighs. Each bundle has two packages that tested positive for methamphetamine.

CBP then arrested the man, 41-year-old Arturo Chavez Solis of Chihuahua, Mexico.

CBP routinely reports seizures of drug shipments that seem to flow constantly from Mexico to the United States. Also on Tuesday, CBP reported a seizure of about $400,000 worth of cocaine at El Paso, Mexico.

On Monday, CBP seized more than two tons of marijuana worth about $2.3 million.