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  4. Methamphetamine Smuggler Arrested at Checkpoint

Methamphetamine Smuggler Arrested at Checkpoint

Release Date
Fri, 07/24/2020

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents seized methamphetamine at the Highway 86 checkpoint Thursday morning.

A search of the bag revealed two packages wrapped in tape that were hidden inside of the liner of the backpack. The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m., when a commercial passenger bus approached the checkpoint.  Border Patrol agents referred the bus to secondary for further inspection of the passengers.  During an immigration inspection, one passenger produced a state of Nevada birth certificate but did not have a photo identification card to confirm his identity.  Agents escorted the passenger and his property off the bus to verify his identity. 

During questioning, agents were given consent to inspect the passenger’s backpack.  A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the backpack.  A search of the bag revealed two packages wrapped in tape that were hidden inside of the liner of the backpack.  The white crystaline substance inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine.

The total weight of the methamphetamine was 3.14 pounds with an estimated street value of $7,065

The man, a 41-year-old United States citizen and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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