Border Dope Smuggling

Originally Aired: September 2, 1938The Lone Ranger #874, "Border Dope Smuggling," the masked rider and his faithful companion Tonto arrive at a border ranch seeking information about the local sheriff, only to be held at gunpoint by Betty Sanders. She mistakes the Lone Ranger for one of the dope smugglers who have been tormenting her father, Sheriff Pigleg Sanders, for six weeks. The smugglers have been cleverly planting false leads that send the sheriff on wild goose chases, keeping him occupied while they continue their illegal operations across the Mexican border. After the misunderstanding is cleared up and Tonto intervenes when ranch hand Buck Wilson attempts to ambush them, the Lone Ranger and Tonto head toward town to investigate.Sheriff Sanders returns home frustrated and demoralized, having followed yet another false lead that turned out to be legitimate government agents. The smugglers' tactics have been so effective that Sanders fears he may have to resign his position after twelve years of distinguished service. When Buck Wilson reveals he found a paper dropped by the masked man containing what appear to be smuggling plans, the situation takes an unexpected turn that may finally provide the break the sheriff desperately needs.