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Dangerous Mixed Drug Shipments Seized by Border Patrol

Release Date
Mon, 08/05/2019

 

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested a man suspected of smuggling methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine last Sunday night.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m., when a 32-year-old man driving a white Freightliner approached the checkpoint.  A Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the truck.  Agents sent the semi-truck to secondary inspection for further investigation.

 

While in secondary inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered several packages hidden inside the sleeper berth of the truck.  Agents determined that the substance was consistent with the characteristics of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.

 

The total weight of the methamphetamine discovered was 391.810 pounds, with an estimated value of $1,016,600.

 

The total weight of the heroin discovered was 47.190 pounds, with an estimated value of $1,510,080.

U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint seizes fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in two separate events this week.
Border Patrol checkpoint seizes
fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and meth
valued at more than $1M.

 

The total weight of the cocaine discovered was 5.1 pounds, with an estimated value of $57,954.

 

The man, a citizen of Mexico, the narcotics and truck were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

 

The second incident occurred on Sunday morning at approximately 1:50 a.m., when a 54-year-old man accompanied by a 37-year-old woman in a gold Honda Accord approached the checkpoint.  A Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the vehicle.  Agents sent the vehicle aside for further investigation.

 

Upon further inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered several packages hidden inside the vehicle’s car battery.  Agents determined that the substance was consistent with the characteristics of fentanyl and heroin.

 

The total weight of the fentanyl discovered was 4.9 pounds, with an estimated value of $57,909.

 

The total weight of the heroin discovered was 2.5 pounds, with an estimated value of $29,545.

 

The man and woman, both United States citizens, the narcotics and vehicle were also turned over to the Imperial County Sherriff’s Office Border Crime Suppression Team.

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