ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – Border Patrol Agents seized more than $1.1 million in narcotics that was being smuggled through an immigration checkpoint on June 21, 2018 in a wrecked vehicle.
The seizure was made when a tractor-trailer hauling several vehicles approached the immigration station on New Mexico, Highway 70. The agent inspecting the tractor-trailer noticed that one of the vehicles, a black Honda CRZ, was wrecked. That factor stood out to the agent since all the other vehicles were in good condition. The Border Patrol Agent searched the tractor-trailer with the assistance of his canine partner. The canine alerted to the black Honda CRZ and the tractor-trailer was X-rayed.
The inspection revealed anomalies in the black Honda’s rear-quarter panel. A thorough hand inspection of the vehicle revealed six cellophane wrapped rectangular bundles. The bundles were tested and found to contain 6.77 kilograms of heroin, valued at $1.1million, along with 2.13 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $150,000 dollars.
The case was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
In Fiscal Year 2017, the El Paso Sector seized more than $35 million in narcotics. This case serves as a reminder of the types of illegal drugs that are illegally being brought to the U.S., which puts our communities and neighborhoods at risk. The men and women of the United States Border Patrol remain committed to combating the illegal transportation of these drugs, while remaining vigilant and steadfast in the performance of their duties.