Border Patrol Seizes 146 Pounds of Meth in Two Separate Events

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint foiled two methamphetamine smuggling attempts on Tuesday.

The first incident occurred at approximately 11:26 a.m., when a female driver approached the checkpoint in a white Cadillac CTS.

During an immigration inspection in the primary lane, a Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the vehicle. Agents referred the vehicle to secondary inspection for further investigation.

At secondary inspection, agents discovered 44 sealed packages concealed inside the vehicle’s gas tank and an additional 15 within the rear doors. 

The packages were examined and tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine. 

The combined weight of the packages totaled 71.6 lbs., with an estimated street value of $179,000.

The 28-year-old woman, a Mexican citizen, was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and narcotics for further investigation.

The second incident occurred at approximately 3:36 p.m., when a male driver approached the checkpoint in a silver Acura.

During an immigration inspection in the primary lane the vehicle was referred to secondary inspection for further investigation. In secondary inspection, a Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the vehicle.

During a search in secondary inspection, agents discovered 34 sealed packages concealed inside the vehicle’s gas tank and 11 from an aftermarket compartment within the floorboard. 

The packages were examined and tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine. 

The combined weight of the packages totaled 75.43 lbs., with an estimated street value of $188,575.

“These seizures exemplify the tireless efforts of the men and women of the Border Patrol,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Ryan J. Scudder.  “The interception of these dangerous drugs by our agents ensures the continued safety of those that live within our community.”

The 18-year-old man, a Lawful Permanent Resident, was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and narcotics for further investigation.