Man accused of using an accordion to smuggle meth
NOGALES, Ariz. — A Mexican man is in custody for allegedly trying to smuggle 4 1/2 pounds of methamphetamine into Arizona in an accordion.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say 18-year-old Eloy Renteria-Ortiz was arrested on Monday at the Port of Nogales after being searched at the Morley Gate crossing.
Officers say nearly $13,600 worth of meth was found wrapped in black tape and stashed in the center of the accordion that Renteria-Ortiz was carrying.
The drugs and instrument were seized and Renteria-Ortiz was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
His hometown in Mexico wasn’t released and it wasn’t immediately clear Thursday if Renteria-Ortiz has a lawyer.