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  4. Border Patrol Agents Seize Heroin Hidden Inside Engine

Border Patrol Agents Seize Heroin Hidden Inside Engine

Release Date
Mon, 07/27/2020
Heroin in engine 1
Border Patrol agents searched the engine compartment
of the vehicle and discovered four packages
hidden inside a container that was placed within
a natural void.

NILAND, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 111 immigration checkpoint arrested a man suspected of smuggling narcotics Friday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m., when a 51-year-old man driving a white 1998 GMC Sierra pick-up truck approached the checkpoint.  A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle’s engine area 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 searched the engine compartment of the vehicle and discovered four packages hidden inside a container that was placed within a natural void.  The packages were tested with a narcotics test kit, which yielded a positive result for the characteristics of black tar heroin.

Heroin in engine 2
The total weight of the heroin discovered was
approximately 2.25 kilograms with an
estimated value of $51,750.

The total weight of the heroin discovered was approximately 2.25 kilograms with an estimated value of $51,750.

The man, a legal permanent resident originally from Mexico, the narcotics and vehicle 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