El Paso Truck Drivers Approached By Smugglers

El Paso Truck Drivers Approached By Smugglers
Angeeneh Adamain- KFOX News Reporter

POSTED: 7:53 pm MDT June 19, 2008
UPDATED: 9:09 pm MDT June 19, 2008


EL PASO, Texas -- Smuggling truck drivers will lose their livelihoods in El Paso and all of Texas after Gov. Rick Perry announced a new border initiative Thursday. A truck stop is probably the last place you would associate with a border crime.

According to government officials, drug cartels are targeting truck stops and coercing commercial truck drivers into hauling narcotics and even people. Alfredo Lugo is one of those drivers, and he told KFOX it's happening in El Paso.

"They come up to me, or any driver, and will start a friendly conversation like, 'Where are you going?' and will scope you out and ask how would you like to do this or that," Lugo said.

It's stories like Lugo's that prompted Perry to come up with a new initiative called Texas Hold 'Em. Under it, truck drivers convicted of smuggling humans or drugs in the state will have their commercial license revoked.

"We're sending a message to commercial drivers who are breaking the law. If you knowingly smuggle illicit cargo across the Texas border, you're going to lose your license and you're going to lose your livelihood," Perry said Thursday.

Lugo told KFOX he is an honest trucker, but it is not hard to believe in difficult economic times some other drivers may be tempted.

"I've been offered like $20,000 or $30,000--maybe $100,000; it depends on the amount. If it is immigrants, they will tell you how many people. If you are ever tempted by all of that, it will make you think twice about it. You will lose your title as a professional," he said.

Border Patrol officials told KFOX a tip line is in the works so truck drivers can report illegal activity. A tip may even lead to a reward.

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