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  4. Andrade CBP Officers Catch Husband and Wife with Kids and 215 Pounds of Methamphetamine in Car

Andrade CBP Officers Catch Husband and Wife with Kids and 215 Pounds of Methamphetamine in Car

Release Date
Thu, 09/19/2019

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Andrade port of entry discovered 215 pounds of methamphetamine Monday hidden in a car with a family of four.

The incident occurred on Sept. 16, at about 4 p.m., when a CBP officer conducting inspections encountered a family – husband, wife, and two minor children – arriving in a 2006 Ford F250. The officer referred the vehicle and occupants aside for a more in-depth examination.

During the intensive inspection, officers utilized the port’s imagining system, revealing anomalies in the spare tire.  CBP officers discovered and removed 83 wrapped packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the spare tire and fuel tank.  The weight of the narcotics was 215 pounds with an estimated street value of $709,500.

“CBP officers inspect various types of commodities, vehicles, and people entering the United States,” said Andrade Officer in Charge Roberto Garcia. “The primary officer’s attention to detail resulted in the apprehension of a dangerous narcotic and our community is safer because of it.”

The driver, age 43, and his wife, age 41, both U.S. citizens, were arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.  CBP officers turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing.  They were both transported to the Imperial County Jail to await arraignment. The two minor children were turned over to child protective services.

CBP officers seized the vehicles and narcotics.

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: Feb 03, 2021