SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a United States citizen accused of smuggling methamphetamine through an immigration checkpoint Thursday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:55 a.m., when a black 2008 Kia Rondo approached the Highway 86 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 rear of the vehicle. Upon further inspection of the rear cargo compartment, agents discovered eight bundles wrapped in shiny aluminum tape, a type of concealment method consistent with narcotic smuggling. The contents inside the bundles tested positive for methamphetamine.
The driver, a 20-year-old male, was in possession of 69.1 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $172,750.
The driver, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.