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  4. Andrade CBP Officers Thwart Attempt to Smuggle Methamphetamine in Hidden Compartments

Andrade CBP Officers Thwart Attempt to Smuggle Methamphetamine in Hidden Compartments

Release Date
Wed, 09/10/2014

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Andrade port of entry Sunday arrested a women after discovering more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in hidden compartments in the vehicle she was driving.

The incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m., on Sept. 7, when a CBP officer encountered a 36-year-old U.S. citizen after she arrived at the port driving a 1997 Nissan Sentra.  The officer referred the woman and her vehicle for a more in-depth inspection.

13 pounds of meth found in car's front seat

13 pounds of methamphetamine found in the front seat of a 1997 Nissan Sentra

During an intensive search, a CBP narcotics detector dog alerted to the floor of the vehicle, leading officers to the discovery of 13 wrapped packages concealed inside hidden compartments built under the Sentra’s front seats.  The packages were removed from the vehicle and field-tested positive as methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of more than $88,000.

The driver, a resident of Long Beach 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.

CBP seized the vehicle and the narcotics.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021