PINE VALLEY, Calif.—Last Thursday, Border Patrol agents arrested a Mexican couple on Interstate 8 who were smuggling methamphetamine inside their car. The couple also had their three children in the vehicle.
The incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. when the couple arrived at the Pine Valley checkpoint in their 2010 Toyota Venza. The 32-year-old Mexican citizen driver presented his permanent resident card to agents. The female passenger, who claimed to be his wife, was holding an Order of Release on Recognizance document issued by the Department of Homeland Security. As agents questioned the woman further, a nearby K-9 alerted to the car and agents referred them for a secondary inspection.
Border patrol agents searched a Toyota Venza and discovered a black tote bag in center console with 2.21 pounds of crystal methamphetamine inside.
Agents in secondary reviewed the woman’s immigration document, which was determined to have been cancelled. The agents searched the vehicle and discovered a black tote bag in the center console with 2.21 pounds of crystal methamphetamine inside. The narcotics are worth an estimated $22,100.
The man and his wife were arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for the possession of a controlled substance. The three children, who were all under the age of ten, were turned over to a Protective Services Officer from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.