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  4. Close to 300K Worth of Narcotics Seized at Checkpoint

Close to 300K Worth of Narcotics Seized at Checkpoint

Release Date
Mon, 03/14/2022

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a United States citizen attempting to smuggle narcotics through an immigration checkpoint, early Friday morning.
 

An in-depth inspection revealed 40 packages containing a white crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine and seven packages of pills that tested positive for fentanyl.
Agents found 40 packages of methamphetamine and
s​​​​​even packages of fentanyl pills.

At approximately 3:45 a.m., a blue 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe approached the Highway 86 checkpoint. The agent inspecting vehicles in the primary lanes referred the vehicle to secondary inspection.

A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle. Agents inspected the interior of the vehicle and discovered narcotics concealed in the floorboard area. An in-depth inspection revealed 40 packages containing a white crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine and seven packages of pills that tested positive for fentanyl.

The 28-year-old male driver was in possession of 61.62 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $215,670 and 5.29 pounds of fentanyl pills with an estimated street value of $84,000.

The subject, vehicle, 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 comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

Last Modified: Mar 14, 2022