Red hot chili peppers became hiding place for immigrant captured in New Mexico, say border officers

(CSB/AP) COLUMBUS, N.M. - Authorities say an immigrant suspected of entering the U.S. illegally was discovered face down in a commercial load of red chili peppers in southern New Mexico.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Columbus, N.M. border checkpoint said the man was found Thursday. The border port director said the 35-year-old Mexican national was next to a bottle of tequila, and was "highly intoxicated."

The man agents that he climbed into the commercial hopper while it was being staged in Mexico, hoping to catch a ride to Chicago. But agents said he got less than 100 yards into New Mexico before he was discovered.

The chili shipment was set free.