SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested two United States citizens accused of smuggling methamphetamine and fentanyl through an immigration checkpoint Monday evening.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:23 p.m., when a grey Lincoln LS sedan approached the Highway 86 checkpoint. The agent checking vehicles in the lanes referred the vehicle aside for further investigation.
A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle. Agents proceeded to inspect the interior of the vehicle and discovered a bundle wrapped in cellophane in the rear panel of the driver seat. The contents inside the bundle contained a white-crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Further inspection of the driver revealed nine blue pills that were wrapped in a ripped piece of plastic hidden in his wallet. The pills tested positive for fentanyl.
The driver, a 55-year-old male and a 31-year-old female passenger were caught with 2 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $5,500 and nine fentanyl pills valued at $225.
The individuals, vehicle, and narcotics were later turned over to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office.
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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.