Former Customs officer found guilty on drug charges

Douglas Dispatch

A former Customs and Border Protection Officer from Douglas has been found guilty of drug charges.

Luis Vasquez, 33, was found guilty by a federal jury last Thursday in a Federal Court room in Tucson.

Evidence showed that on at least two occassions, Vasquez, along with other members of the conspiracy, used his position as an inspector at the Douglas port of entry to allow over 1,200 pounds of marijuana into the United States from Mexico without inspection.

He was found guilty on all counts, including conspiracy to import marijuana, unlawful importation of marijuana, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

The convictions carry a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine or both.

Vasquez is currently in the custody of the United States Marshals Service while awaiting sentencing, which will be on April 29.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and Office of the Inspector General and the Douglas Police Department.