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  4. Border Patrol Agents Seize 22 Pounds of Methamphetamine Discovered in Vehicle’s Spare Tire

Border Patrol Agents Seize 22 Pounds of Methamphetamine Discovered in Vehicle’s Spare Tire

Release Date
Tue, 08/18/2020

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Highway 86 checkpoint seized methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire Monday afternoon.  

Spare tire load
El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents found 
slightly more than 22 pounds of methamphetamine
Monday at the Highway 86 checkpoint. The drugs were
hidden in the spare tire of a Toyota Tundra.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m., when a man driving a black Toyota Tundra 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, agents discovered 20 wrapped packages concealed in the vehicle’s spare tire that was positioned underneath the bed of the truck.  The substance inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine.  The driver was placed under arrest and was escorted to the detention area for further processing.

The total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 22.02 pounds with an estimated value of $49,560.

The man, a 35-year-old legal permanent resident from Mexico, the vehicle and the methamphetamine were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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.

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