Ranchers Face Drug Charges After Being Found Trying To Smuggle Tens Of Pounds Of Cocaine Into The U.S.

Two ranchers are facing federal charges after being caught trying to smuggle almost 24 pounds of cocaine into the U.S.

Border Report noted that the incident took place on Sunday at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in New Mexico.

After noticing anomalies in their car, Customs and Border Protection agents questioned the occupants, who said they were going to their home in Albuquerque after visiting relatives in Mexico.

A drug-sniffing dog found 12 bundles with a white powder than then tested positive for cocaine. Overall, there were almost 24 pounds of cocaine in the car.

One of the two people charged, Federico Rocha Lucero, said he and his wife spent several days in Durango tending to their livestock with no telephone access. Upon return, his brother told him their car was missing and presumably stolen.

Rocha added that the car was "returned" with no damage and they used it to return to the U.S. His wife, Veronica Solano, said in turn she had "nothing to do with what's going on" and her husband "made her drive" during the return. She also told agents that her husband "has been doing drugs," has a criminal record and a pending court date in Albuquerque.