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  4. CBP Officers at the Andrade Port Intercept 153 Packages of Crystal Meth Concealed Inside Spare Tire and Gas Tank

CBP Officers at the Andrade Port Intercept 153 Packages of Crystal Meth Concealed Inside Spare Tire and Gas Tank

Release Date
Thu, 05/30/2019

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Andrade port of entry Tuesday intercepted 153 packages of crystal methamphetamine concealed inside the spare tire and gas tank of a pickup truck.

The seizure occurred on May 28, at about 3:15 p.m., when a CBP officer encountered a 41-year-old female U.S. citizen driving a grey 2017 Dodge Ram truck.  During the inspection, a canine team was screening vehicles and the canine alerted to the undercarriage of the truck. Officers escorted the driver and vehicle for a more in-depth examination.

CBP officers conducted an intensive inspection on the Dodge Ram and found 153 wrapped cellophane packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the spare tire and gas tank.  The weight of the narcotics was 112 pounds with a street value of approximately $179,200.

“Narcotics smugglers try to conceal their contraband in spaces naturally found in vehicles,” said Andrade Port Director Martin Cuesta. “CBP officers are trained to search and detect irregularities that might indicate smuggling activity.”

The driver, a resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing.

The driver was later transported to the Imperial County Jail where she currently awaits arraignment.

CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle.

CBP officers at the border crossings in Southern California routinely stop illegal activity, while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States. 

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021