Border Patrol Agents Discover Narcotics Concealed Inside Gas Tank

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested a woman suspected of smuggling narcotics Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:41 p.m., when a 30-year-old woman driving a blue 2003 Ford Expedition approached the 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.

While in secondary inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered a total of 75 packages concealed inside the vehicle’s gas tank.  Agents determined that the packages contained a substance that was consistent with the characteristics of methamphetamine.

“Narcotic trafficking organizations continue to attempt to evade detection and smuggle dangerous and illegal drugs into this country at an alarming rate,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino. “Fortunately, our agents were able to prevent these drugs from making it into our communities.”

The total weight of the narcotics discovered was approximately 59.13 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated value of $112,347.

The woman, a United States citizen, the narcotics and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).