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Armed Smuggler Arrested by Border Patrol

Release Date
Mon, 11/02/2020

NILAND, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested an armed smuggler attempting to smuggle an illegal alien on Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m., when a man driving a blue Toyota Avalon approached the Highway 111 checkpoint. During an immigration inspection, agents requested and received consent to inspect the trunk of the vehicle. Upon opening the trunk, agents discovered one male subject laying down in the trunk. The male subject in the trunk was determined to be an illegal alien from Mexico.

Smuggling Prevention
El Centro Border Patrol agents arrested
a U.S. citizen for attempted smuggling
of an illegal alien and simple possession.

During further inspection of the vehicle, agents discovered a weapon with two magazines containing 13 rounds and a suppressor inside of the vehicle’s glove box. Agents also discovered marijuana and other drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Agents arrested the driver and illegal alien for further processing. 

The total weight of the marijuana was approximately 1.4 pounds with an estimated value of $5,600.

The driver, a 38-year-old United States citizen was booked for 8 USC 844 Penalties for Simple Possession and processed administratively for 8 USC 1324 Alien Smuggling. The 34-year-old illegal alien man from Mexico was repatriated back to Mexico City, Mexico.    

The El Centro Sector seized the vehicle, weapon, drugs and drug paraphernalia.

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