TUCSON, Ariz. – Nogales Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint arrested a 42-year-old Mexican woman after finding 17 packages of methamphetamine concealed in her Toyota Camry.
Agents referred the woman for a secondary inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to an odor it was trained to detect coming from the vehicle. As result, agents found more than 21 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value in excess of $49,000.
Agents arrested the woman for narcotics smuggling and seized the drugs and vehicle, which were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.
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