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  4. CBP Arrests Mexicali Resident for Cocaine Smuggling at California Port

CBP Arrests Mexicali Resident for Cocaine Smuggling at California Port

Release Date
Mon, 08/16/2010

Calexico, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico downtown port of entry discovered 30 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a red 1995 Toyota Camry over the weekend.

The incident occurred at about 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 15, when a CBP officer referred a 32-year-old male Mexican citizen to the secondary examination area after the driver displayed signs of nervousness as he waited in line for inspection.

An intensive inspection that included a detector dog led officers to the discovery of 12 wrapped packages of cocaine concealed inside a non-factory compartment in the vehicle's undercarriage. The narcotic has a street value of approximately $240,000.

The driver, a resident of Mexicali, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt and released to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. He is currently being held at the Imperial County Jail pending arraignment.

CBP placed an immigration hold on the male to initiate removal from the United States at the conclusion of his criminal proceedings.

CBP seized both vehicle and narcotics.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021