Calexico, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico downtown port of entry seized more than $400,000 worth of narcotics in two separate incidents on Wednesday.
The first seizure occurred at about 2:30 p.m. when CBP officers arrested a 27-year-old male United States citizen and a 30-year-old female Mexican citizen after seven pounds of methamphetamine and 13 grams of cocaine were discovered hidden in the travelers' vehicle.
A CBP officer conducting vehicle primary inspections referred the couple and vehicle to the secondary inspection lot for further examination.
A canine unit was conducting an enforcement operation in the secondary lot when the canine alerted to the undercarriage of the grey 2002 Ford Taurus.
An intensive examination of the vehicle led officers to the discovery of six wrapped packages of methamphetamine concealed inside a non-factory compartment in the rear area of the undercarriage. Four additional bundles of cocaine were discovered in the dashboard area. The estimated street value of the narcotics is $75,100.
CBP officers turned over the couple, both residents of Wildomar, Calif., to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for further investigation on the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.
The second seizure occurred seven hours later when CBP officers escorted a 30-year-old male United States citizen to the secondary lot after a detector dog alerted to his vehicle during the primary vehicle inspection.
CBP officers examined the green 1998 Dodge Durango and discovered 10 bags of heroin concealed inside the spare tire. The weight of the narcotics was 22 pounds with a street value of $374,000.
CBP officers arrested the driver, a resident of Porterville, Calif., and transferred him to the custody of ICE agents.
In both incidents, suspects were transported to the Imperial Country jail pending arraignment.
CBP seized the vehicles and narcotics.