TUCSON, Ariz. – Nogales Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint arrested a Mexican national Sunday afternoon after finding more than 63 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in his vehicle.
The driver of a Chevrolet Cheyenne was referred for a secondary inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to an odor it was trained to detect. During the subsequent search, agents discovered 55 cellophane-wrapped bundles of methamphetamine hidden within the truck’s front fenders. The bundles weighed more than 63 pounds, and have an estimated value of approximately $190,000.
Agents arrested the driver, a 51-year-old man from Sonora, Mexico, for drug smuggling. The meth and vehicle were seized and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.