NILAND, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a United States citizen accused of smuggling 233 fentanyl pills through an immigration checkpoint Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:40 p.m., when a rental 2021Chevrolet Silverado approached the Highway 111 checkpoint. The agent inspecting vehicles in primary lanes referred the vehicle to secondary inspection 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 clear plastic bag containing blue colored pills in the glove box of the vehicle. While interviewing the driver he claimed he had more pills in his boot and that the other pills found in the glove box also belonged to him. The pills tested positive for fentanyl.
The driver, a 28-year-old male was in possession of 233 fentanyl pills valued at $5,825.
The driver and narcotics were turned over to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle was later turned over to the rental company. The two passengers in the vehicle were released.
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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.