Border Patrol Stops Armed Human and Narcotic Smugglers

NILAND, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 111 and Highway 86 immigration checkpoints arrested six individuals in two separate smuggling attempts.

The first incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 9:08 p.m., when a 31-year-old man along with a 21-year-old female passenger attempted to circumvent the Highway 111 Border Patrol checkpoint in a black Nissan sedan.  Agents followed the vehicle after it bypassed the checkpoint; when the vehicle stopped, agents approached, and made contact with the occupants.  Agents discovered that the driver and passenger were United States citizens attempting to smuggle two men hidden in the trunk of the vehicle.  The men, a 34-year-old and 38-year-old, were both illegal aliens from Mexico.

During a search incident to arrest, agents discovered a loaded firearm in the female passenger’s purse.  The firearm contained a 33 round magazine with a round in the chamber.  A search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of personal use cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy.

All subjects, the vehicle, the weapon and the narcotics were seized and transported to the checkpoint for further processing.

The case was presented and accepted for prosecution under 8 USC 1324 Illegal Alien Smuggling.

The second incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 2:28 a.m. A 55-year-old man along with a 37-year-old female passenger approached the primary inspection area of the Highway 86 Border Patrol checkpoint in a silver Nissan Altima. 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 seven packages in a grocery bag inside the trunk of the vehicle.  The substance inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine.  A search of the passenger’s purse revealed zip-lock bags containing small amounts of methamphetamine and heroin.

“Agents must remain vigilant at all times; this arrest of an armed smuggler highlights the dangers that our agents face.  The outstanding work that Border Patrol agents do on a daily basis helps to keep our country safe and protect our communities,” said Gregory K. Bovino Chief Patrol Agent of the El Centro Sector.

The total weight of the methamphetamine discovered was approximately 8 pounds; the total weight of the heroin was 2.4 grams, with an estimated value of $21,600.

The subjects, the vehicle and the narcotics were turned over to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Border Crime Suppression Team.