WINTERHAVEN, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Andrade port of entry arrested two women after discovering approximately 49 pounds of marijuana and 25 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the spare tires of their respective vehicles.
The first incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, when a CBP officer encountered a 42-year-old Mexican citizen after she arrived at the port driving a 1994 Ford Explorer. The officer referred the woman and her vehicle for a more in-depth inspection.
While conducting an intensive search of the Explorer, officers utilized a density meter and detected anomalies within the spare tire. A canine team also screened the vehicle and the detector dog alerted to the tire, leading officers to the discovery of 10 wrapped packages concealed inside.
The substance inside of the wrapped packages field-tested positive as marijuana, and has an estimated street value of more than $22,000.
Deputies with the Imperial County Sherriff’s Office arrested the woman, a resident of San Bernardino, California, and transported her to the Imperial County Jail to await arraignment.
The second incident occurred shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 5, when a 39-year-old Mexican citizen arrived at the port of entry driving a 2011 Chevrolet Cheyenne pickup. A CBP officer escorted the driver and vehicle to a secure area for further investigation.
During an intensive search, officers discovered 10 wrapped packages concealed inside the pickup’s spare tire.
The substance inside of the wrapped packages field-tested positive as methamphetamine, and has an estimated street value of $162,000.
The driver, a resident of Mexicali, Baja California, was arrested and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations agents for further processing. She was later transported to the Imperial County Jail to await arraignment.
In both incidents, CBP seized the vehicles and the narcotics.