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  4. Border Patrol Arrests Man Attempting to Smuggle Meth

Border Patrol Arrests Man Attempting to Smuggle Meth

Release Date
Mon, 06/03/2019

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested an individual suspected of smuggling methamphetamine Saturday morning.

Agents discover meth stashed inside a spare tire.
Agents discover meth stashed
inside a spare tire.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:55 a.m., when a 27-year-old man driving a black 2012 Jeep Wrangler approached the checkpoint.  A Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the vehicle.  Agents sent the vehicle to secondary inspection for further investigation.

While in secondary inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered 22 packages hidden inside a spare tire that was mounted on the rear door.  Agents determined that the substance in the packages was consistent with the characteristics of methamphetamine.

The total weight of the methamphetamine discovered was 24.85 pounds, with an estimated value of $57,155.

The man, a United States citizen, the vehicle, and the narcotics 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