Meth and Fentanyl Seized at Highway 86 Checkpoint

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested two United States citizens accused of smuggling methamphetamine and fentanyl through an immigration checkpoint Monday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:23 p.m., when a grey Lincoln LS sedan approached the Highway 86 checkpoint. The agent checking vehicles in the lanes referred the vehicle aside for further investigation.

A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle. Agents proceeded to inspect the interior of the vehicle and discovered a bundle wrapped in cellophane in the rear panel of the driver seat. The contents inside the bundle contained a white-crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Further inspection of the driver revealed nine blue pills that were wrapped in a ripped piece of plastic hidden in his wallet. The pills tested positive for fentanyl.

The driver, a 55-year-old male and a 31-year-old female passenger were caught with 2 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $5,500 and nine fentanyl pills valued at $225.   

The individuals, vehicle, and narcotics were later turned over to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office.