SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a United States citizen accused of smuggling methamphetamine through an immigration checkpoint Thursday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:55 a.m., when a black 2008 Kia Rondo approached the Highway 86 checkpoint. The agent inspecting vehicles in primary lanes referred the vehicle to secondary inspection for further investigation.
A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the rear of the vehicle. Upon further inspection of the rear cargo compartment, agents discovered eight bundles wrapped in shiny aluminum tape, a type of concealment method consistent with narcotic smuggling. The contents inside the bundles tested positive for methamphetamine.
The driver, a 20-year-old male, was in possession of 69.1 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $172,750.
The driver, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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