TUCSON, Ariz. – Nogales Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint on Sunday discovered nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine in the back of a minivan.
Agents at the primary inspection lane referred the 29-year-old female minivan driver for a secondary inspection, during which agents found 44 cellophane-wrapped packages of meth in the vehicle’s spare tire compartment.
The driver was arrested on drug smuggling charges and will remain in custody pending a disposition in her case. Agents seized the vehicle and narcotics, which were estimated to be valued at $98,000.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.
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