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  4. CBP Officers at Calexico Downtown Port Discover $396,000 Worth of Cocaine Hidden in Spare Tire

CBP Officers at Calexico Downtown Port Discover $396,000 Worth of Cocaine Hidden in Spare Tire

Release Date

CALEXICO, CALIF.—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico downtown port of entry yesterday discovered approximately $396,000 worth of cocaine concealed inside the spare tire of a vehicle.

On Wednesday afternoon, September 18, at about 1:10 p.m., a CBP officer conducting inspections of vehicles and travelers referred a black 2000 Ford Ranger pick-up truck for further inspection.

During the intensive examination, a canine team screened the vehicle and the detector dog alerted to the spare tire. Subsequent search of the vehicle led officers to the discovery of 14 wrapped packages of cocaine hidden inside the tire, weighing 33 pounds.

The driver, a 24-year-old male U.S. citizen and resident of Calexico, was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing. Driver was later transported to the Imperial County Jail where he awaits arraignment in federal court for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.

CBP seized the vehicle and narcotics.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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  • Last Modified: February 3, 2021