Calexico, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico, Calif., downtown port of entry arrested two female U.S. citizens after they discovered 18 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed inside the windshield washer reservoir of the sport utility vehicle in which they entered the country.
At about 2 p.m. on June 22, the 50-year-old and 29-year-old residents of Atwater, Calif., arrived at the Calexico downtown port of entry driving a black 2004 Chevy Trail Blazer. During the vehicle primary examination a narcotics detector dog alerted to the front right side of the vehicle. Officers then escorted the driver, passenger and vehicle to the secondary lot for further investigation.
An intensive inspection in the engine area led officers to the discovery of the liquid methamphetamine, which has a street value of $189,000. Both the driver and passenger were arrested and booked into the Imperial Country Jail pending arraignment. CBP seized the vehicle and narcotic.
Port Director Billy Whitford praised his CBP officers for a job well done. However, he said, they must remain cognizant of the different tactics smugglers are employing.
"I am very pleased with the performance of our CBP officers," he said. "This is a good example of why our vigilance must never waver; criminals are attempting more creative means of smuggling narcotics."