SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents from the Indio Station assigned to the Highway 86 checkpoint simultaneously arrested two men suspected of smuggling drugs hidden in their trucks on Friday.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m., when two truck drivers approached the checkpoint driving respectively a red 1999 semi-truck and a black 1994 semi-truck.
A Border Patrol detection canine alerted to both of the semi-trucks during a pre-primary inspection. Agents referred the men to the secondary inspection area for a closer examination. After an extensive search, agents discovered 15 bundles of cocaine hidden inside the rear axle compartment of each semi-truck.
inside two truck axles.
“This seizure shows the depths individuals and criminal organizations are willing to go to conduct their illicit activities,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim. “It is also a testament to the great work performed by Border Patrol agents who diligently safeguard our communities from the dangers these drugs pose.”
The 30 concealed bundles of both semi-trucks had a combined weight of 76.50 pounds with an estimated street value of $902,200.
The men, both Mexican nationals, their semi-trucks, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.
In fiscal year 2017, El Centro Sector has seized more than 84.03 pounds of cocaine.