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  4. Stolen Vehicle Recovered with Hidden Narcotics at Checkpoint

Stolen Vehicle Recovered with Hidden Narcotics at Checkpoint

Release Date
Tue, 05/18/2021

SALTON SEA, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents seized methamphetamine, fentanyl pills and recovered a stolen vehicle Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m., when a 25-year-old woman, United States citizen, driving a white 2013 KIA Optima approached the Highway 86 checkpoint. A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle’s engine in the primary inspection lane. Agents directed the vehicle to enter the secondary inspection area for further investigation.

During their inspection, agents discovered two bundles wrapped in black electrical tape wedged between the battery and engine compartment. The contents inside of the packages tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine.

As part of the inspection, agents requested a record checks on the vehicle that resulted in a positive alert for a stolen vehicle registered out of Beaumont.

Additionally, once the woman was told she was under arrest, she freely handed over a bag containing a white crystal-like substance and a bundle containing blue pills. The blue pills tested positive for the properties of fentanyl and the white crystal-like substance tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine.

The total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 2.44 pounds with an estimated value of $6,588. The total weight of the fentanyl pills were .360 pounds with an estimated value of $11,520.

El Centro Sector turned over the driver, narcotics, and the stolen vehicle to the Imperial County Border Crimes 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: May 18, 2021