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  4. El Centro Sector Border Patrol Halts Smuggling Attempt of almost $210,000 of Cocaine

El Centro Sector Border Patrol Halts Smuggling Attempt of almost $210,000 of Cocaine

Release Date
Thu, 06/26/2014

SALTON CITY, Calif. – On Wednesday, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio Station arrested two suspected narcotics smugglers and seized more than 20 pounds of cocaine concealed in an aftermarket compartment of a vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m., when Border Patrol agents encountered a 21-year-old male driving a 2007 Jeep Commander and his passenger, a 48-year-old female as they approached the Highway 86 checkpoint.  A Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the vehicle and the driver was referred to the secondary inspection area for further examination.

During secondary inspection, agents discovered a hidden compartment in the frame of the vehicle containing 18 individually wrapped packages of cocaine.  The cocaine had a combined weight of 20.96 pounds with an estimated street value of $209,600.

The suspects, who were determined to be Mexican nationals, the vehicle and cocaine, 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