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  4. Agents Stop Two Drug Smuggling Attempts at Separate Checkpoints

Agents Stop Two Drug Smuggling Attempts at Separate Checkpoints

Release Date
Wed, 01/27/2021

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents stopped two drug smuggling attempts at two different checkpoints on Tuesday.

The first incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m., when a 28-year-old man driving a silver Chrysler PT Cruiser approached the Highway 111 checkpoint. A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle in the primary inspection lane. Agents directed the vehicle to enter the secondary inspection area for further investigation.

During their inspection, agents discovered four packages of suspected narcotics in the vehicles oil pan. The contents inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of fentanyl. Agents arrested the driver and held him for further processing. 

The total weight of the fentanyl was approximately 5.27 pounds with an estimated value of $59,750. 

El Centro Sector turned over the driver, a U.S. citizen, the vehicle and the narcotics to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The second incident occurred at approximately 9:49 p.m., when a 36-year-old woman driving a red Kia Rio along with her two male passengers approached the Highway 86 checkpoint. A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle in the primary inspection lane. Agents directed the vehicle to enter the secondary inspection area for further investigation.

During their inspection, agents discovered three packages of suspected narcotics inside a red handbag behind the driver’s seat. The contents inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine. Agents also discovered a Derringer 38 special handgun inside a black backpack located on the front passenger seat. Agents arrested the driver and her passengers and held him for further processing. 

The total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 2.49 pounds with an estimated value of $5,602.

El Centro Sector turned over the driver and passengers, all U.S. citizens, the vehicle and the narcotics to Imperial County Sherriff’s Department.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. For all news, information and updates follow us on Twitter and Instagram @USBPChiefELC. 

seized fentanyl packages
Packaged fentanyl seized by El Centro Border Patrol Agents at Highway 111 CBP Checkpoint.

 

seized methamphetamine
Methamphetamine and a weapon found during a Highway 86 CBP Checkpoint .

El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize Methamphetamine at Hwy 86 Checkpoint.

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.

Last Modified: Nov 24, 2021