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  4. DACA Recipient Arrested by Border Patrol for Smuggling Meth

DACA Recipient Arrested by Border Patrol for Smuggling Meth

Release Date
Wed, 10/03/2018

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient of Mexico suspected of smuggling methamphetamine hidden in the trunk of his vehicle Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:24 a.m., when a 22-year-old man approached the checkpoint in a grey Kia Optima.

More than 17 lbs. of meth was discovered inside a car trunk.
More than 17 lbs. of meth was
discovered inside a car trunk.

During an immigration inspection, agents referred the vehicle to secondary inspection for further investigation.

In secondary, a Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the vehicle and agents discovered 14 vacuum-sealed packages concealed inside of the vehicle’s trunk.

The packages were examined and tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine. The combined weight of the packages totaled 17.14 pounds, with an estimated value of $34,284.

“Every drug seizure our agents make is an important step forward to secure our streets from dangerous narcotics and dangerous people,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.  “I commend our agents for the hard work and dedication in keeping our communities safe.”

The man was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and narcotics for further investigation.

In the last fiscal year, El Centro Sector agents have seized more than 1646.91 pounds of methamphetamine, valued over $4.3 million.

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