Man from Mexico pleads guilty to marijuana smuggling charges in New Mexico

           ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Franz Thiessen Enns, 56, of Chihuahua, Mexico, pleaded guilty on April 2 in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico to importing and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

           According to his plea agreement and other public court documents, Enns tried to enter the United States from Mexico on January 22 with a load of marijuana hidden in his car.  When questioned at the port of entry in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, Enns stated that he was traveling to El Paso, Texas, to go “shopping”.  He acknowledged having two bottles of alcohol to declare, but did not mention any other property although he knew he had marijuana in his vehicle.  U.S Customs and Border Protection agents later inspected his car and found approximately 57.4 kilograms of marijuana in the gas tank.

           Enns is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.  He faces up to 20 years in federal prison under the terms of his plea agreement. 

           Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Clara N. Cobos is prosecuting the case.