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  4. Border Patrol Agents Seize Dangerous Drugs Concealed in Purse Liner

Border Patrol Agents Seize Dangerous Drugs Concealed in Purse Liner

Release Date
Tue, 05/26/2020

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested a man and woman suspected of smuggling narcotics in a purse liner Friday afternoon. 

Border Patrol agents discovered eight packages concealed inside the liner of the woman’s purse. Agents determined that the packages contained a white substance that was consistent with the characteristics of methamphetamine. The incident occurred at approximately 12:40 p.m., when a 53-year-old man driving a white 2007 Chrysler 300 with a 51-year-old woman passenger approached the 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.

While in secondary inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered eight packages concealed inside the liner of the woman’s purse.  Agents determined that the packages contained a white substance that was consistent with the characteristics of methamphetamine.  A complete search of the vehicle also revealed a syringe containing a brown colored substance hidden inside of a potato chip bag.  Agents determined that the brown substance was consistent with the characteristics of heroin.

The total weight of the narcotics discovered was approximately 2.28 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated value of $4,332.

The man, a United States citizen, and the woman, a Legal Permanent Resident, the narcotics and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

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