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  4. Border Patrol Seize Heroin Hidden Inside a Vehicle

Border Patrol Seize Heroin Hidden Inside a Vehicle

Release Date
Mon, 09/24/2018

NILAND, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 111 immigration checkpoint arrested two U.S. citizens suspected of smuggling heroin hidden inside of a vehicle the morning of Sep. 22, 2018.

Agents found almost 7 lbs. of heroin in car.
Agents found almost 7 lbs. of heroin
in the car.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:06 a.m., when the two men, a 19-year-old and 26-year-old, approached the checkpoint in a white Nissan Sentra.

During an immigration inspection, agents referred the vehicle to secondary inspection for further investigation.

In secondary, a Border Patrol agent canine detection team alerted to the vehicle and agents discovered 3 tightly sealed packages concealed inside of the vehicle’s rear seat area.

The packages were examined and tested positive for the characteristics of heroin.

The combined weight of the packages totaled 6.9 pounds, with an estimated value of $62,100.

Both men were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and narcotics for further investigation.

In fiscal year 2018, El Centro Sector agents have seized nearly 800 pounds of heroin, valued at $7.2 million.

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