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  4. Border Patrol Agents Stop Two Narcotic Smugglers and Seize Meth and Fentanyl at Checkpoint

Border Patrol Agents Stop Two Narcotic Smugglers and Seize Meth and Fentanyl at Checkpoint

Release Date
Wed, 08/12/2020
Photograph of methamphetamine
Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth  (pictured) and Fentanyl in 
two Separate Events at 86 Checkpoint.

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested two men suspected of smuggling narcotics on two separate events on Tuesday.

The first incident occurred at approximately 1:55 p.m., when a man driving a black Volkswagen Cabrio along with a male passenger 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 a package concealed within a backpack that belonged to the passenger. The package contained narcotic pills.  The pills tested positive for the characteristics of fentanyl.  The passenger was placed under arrest and was taken to the detention area for further processing.

The total weight of the fentanyl pills discovered was approximately 1.84 pounds with an estimated street value of $22,000.

The man, a 60-year-old United States citizen, the vehicle and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Photograph of fentanyl
Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth  and Fentanyl (pictured)
in two Separate Events at 86 Checkpoint.

The second incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m., when a man driving a white Nissan Altima 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 a small package concealed in the groin area of the driver.  The contents inside the package tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine. The driver was placed under arrest and was taken to the detention area for further processing.

The total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 1.10 pounds with an estimated street value of $2,475.

The man, a 38-year-old United States citizen, the vehicle and the narcotics 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: Oct 26, 2023