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Phoenix man tries to smuggle Thai woman into US inside suitcase

Posted at 2:12 PM, Jan 08, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-08 17:56:45-05

(CNN) — Customs and Border Protection officers foiled a smuggling attempt at the U.S.-Mexico border when they discovered a woman contorted and hidden inside a suitcase.

Officials released a photo this week showing the woman tucked into a ball and laying inside the luggage in the back of a vehicle.

The woman, a Thai national named Pornkamol Mongkolsermsak, was charged with re-entry after deportation, CBP spokesman Victor Brabble said.

She was discovered on December 30, when inspectors at the border referred the driver of a Honda SUV for a secondary inspection, CBP said in a statement.

When officers inspected the vehicle, they opened up the suitcase and found the 48-year-old woman hidden underneath some clothing.

Authorities did not release the name of the 56-year-old Phoenix man who was driving the SUV.

The case has been turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CBP said.