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  4. Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine in Consecutive Smuggling Events

Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine in Consecutive Smuggling Events

Release Date
Mon, 10/19/2020

SALTON SEA, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents foiled two narcotics smuggling attempts on Saturday.

The first incident occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m., when a man driving a Hyundai 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.

Seized Meth
El Centro Border Patrol agents seized 43.13
pounds of methamphetamine along with 5.79
pounds of fentanyl.

While in secondary inspection, agents discovered packages hidden inside the fuel tank. The white crystal like substance inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine and fentanyl when tested with a narcotics test kit. Agents arrested the man and took him to the detention area for further processing. 

The total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 43.13 pounds with an estimated value of $96,950. The total weight of the fentanyl was approximately 5.79 pounds with an estimated value of $63,000.

El Centro Sector turned over the driver, a 38-year-old Legal Permanent Resident from Mexico, the vehicle and the narcotics to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The second incident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m., when a man driving a black Ford Mustang 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.

Cocaine
In a second incident on Saturday, Border
Patrol agents seized 7 pounds of cocaine.

While in secondary inspection, agents discovered a package hidden inside the engine. The substance found inside the package tested positive for the characteristics of cocaine when tested with a narcotics test kit. Agents arrested the man and took him to the detention area for further processing. 

The total weight of the cocaine was approximately 7 pounds with an estimated value of $74,500.

El Centro Sector turned over the driver, a 37-year-old Legal Permanent Resident from Mexico, the vehicle and the narcotics to the DEA.

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: Aug 31, 2021