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El Centro Sector Border Patrol Busts Woman with Meth

Release Date
Fri, 05/02/2014

SALTON CITY, Calif. – Wednesday, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio station arrested a suspected narcotics smuggler and seized more than 24 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within gas tank of a vehicle. 

The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m., when Border Patrol agents encountered a 41-year-old woman, driving a Silver 2002 Mazda MPV as she approached the Highway 86 checkpoint located between Westmorland and Salton City. US Border Patrol agents find 24 pounds of methamphetamine in gas tank at Highway 86 checkpoint in Calfiornia.

The driver was referred to the secondary inspection area.  During the secondary inspection a Canine Detection team alerted to the vehicle’s undercarriage.  Agents conducted an inspection of the vehicle's gas tank and discovered 22 plastic sealed packages of methamphetamine concealed inside.

The methamphetamine had a combined weight of 24.91 pounds with an estimated street value of $286,465.

The woman, a Lawful Permanent Resident card holder, was taken into custody.  The vehicle and methamphetamine were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021