SALTON CITY, CALIF.—El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio Station apprehended a suspected narcotics smuggler at the Highway 86 checkpoint and seized approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine.

The incident occurred on January 13, at approximately 10:10 a.m., when a male, 31-year-old, driver approached the Border Patrol checkpoint located between Westmorland and Salton City. A canine team alerted to the vehicle, a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix, and was subsequently referred to secondary inspection. Upon further investigation, agents discovered fifteen packages of methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle.

The methamphetamine had a combined weight of approximately 18 pounds and an estimated street value of $576,000. The man, a citizen of Mexico with a B1/B2 Visa, was arrested as the sole suspect in the case. The suspect, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

The El Centro Sector's Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats. We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe. Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.