Indio, Calif. - Yesterday afternoon, Indio Station agents seized nearly $1.13 million worth of cocaine while conducting operations at the Highway 86 checkpoint.
At approximately 7 p.m., the driver of a sedan approached the primary inspection area of the checkpoint. While in primary inspection, a canine team alerted to the possible presence of illicit contraband within the vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently directed to the secondary inspection area where the driver consented to a search of the vehicle.
Agents searched the vehicle and discovered several bundles hidden within the vehicle's rocker panels. The bundles were found to contain cocaine and the total amount had an estimated value of $1,130,000.
The driver, cocaine, and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In a separate incident earlier in the day, methamphetamine valued at approximately $140,000 was seized from a pick-up truck.
A Border Patrol canine team alerted to the vehicle's hood and front fender well as it approached the primary inspection area of the checkpoint. The vehicle was subsequently referred to the secondary inspection area. While in secondary, agents discovered the methamphetamine hidden within the vehicle's battery.
The driver, narcotics, and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.