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  4. Border Patrol Agents Intercept Meth and Heroin in Two Smuggling Attempts

Border Patrol Agents Intercept Meth and Heroin in Two Smuggling Attempts

Release Date
Thu, 08/20/2020

NILAND, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents intercepted two narcotics smuggling attempts in two separate events.

The first incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 2:35 p.m., when a man driving a silver Nissan Sentra along with a male passenger approached the Highway 111 checkpoint.  A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle in the primary inspection lane.  Agents directed the vehicle to enter the secondary inspection area for further investigation. 

Meth and heroin
El Centro Sector Border Patrol  agents seized 2.4
pounds of methamphetamine and 0.3 pounds of 
heroin in two separate incidents.

While in secondary inspection, agents discovered several wrapped packages inside a suitcase located in the trunk of the vehicle.  The substance inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine and heroin.  Agents arrested the men and took them to the detention area for further processing.

The total weight of the methamphetamine was 2.4 pounds with an estimated value of $5,400.  The total weight of the heroin was 0.3 pounds with an estimated value of $3,640.

The men, a 22-year-old United States citizen and a 21-year-old United States citizen, the vehicle and the narcotics were turned over to the Border Crime Suppression Team.

The second incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 12:01 a.m., when a Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) operator notified agents of a man walking north of the All American Canal along the fence line of the Calexico East Port of Entry.  RVSS operators observed the man burying an unknown object along the fence and then running south toward the canal.  Agents responded, apprehended the man and recovered a sack buried in the ground.  The sack contained three wrapped packages with a crystal like substance inside.  Agents transported the man and the narcotics to the Calexico Border Patrol Station for further processing.

At the station, the packages tested positive for methamphetamine, with a weight of 3.15 pounds and an estimated value of $7,087.

The man, a 25-year-old United States citizen, and the methamphetamine were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. For all news, information and updates, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @USBPChiefELC.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021