ANDRADE, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Andrade port of entry yesterday arrested a man after discovering 16 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the passenger seats of his vehicle.
CBP officers found 16 pounds of meth stuffed in car seats.
Shortly before 2 p.m., a CBP officer conducting inspections of vehicles and travelers encountered a 24-year-old man after he entered the port of entry driving a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The officer referred the driver to a secondary inspection area for a more in-depth examination.
CBP officers conducted an intensive inspection that included a canine team and discovered 15 packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the passenger seats. The estimated street value of the narcotics was $120,000.
Port Director David Sarrasin stated, “Despite the hot summer conditions, our officers are vigilant and as a result intercepted this smuggling attempt. This is a testament to the level of professionalism exhibited by the officers.”
The driver, a Mexican citizen and resident of San Luis, Sonora, was arrested and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations agents for further processing.
He was later transported to the Imperial County Jail to await arraignment.
CBP seized the vehicle and narcotics.