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  4. Border Patrol Agents Seize Close to 46 Lbs. of Meth Concealed in Spare Tire

Border Patrol Agents Seize Close to 46 Lbs. of Meth Concealed in Spare Tire

Release Date
Thu, 12/23/2021
Narcotics found in tires
Border Patrol Agents reveal $82K worth
of narcotics  being concealed in a spare tire. 

INDIO, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested two United States citizens accused of smuggling illegal narcotics early Monday morning. 

At approximately 12:00 a.m., El Centro Sector agents encountered a silver 2013 Volkswagen Passat and conducted a vehicle stop on Interstate 10, east of the Golf Center Parkway exit. 
 
A Border Patrol K-9 detection team assisted in the vehicle stop. The K-9 alerted agents to the trunk of the vehicle. During an inspection of the trunk, agents identified a spare tire that was unusually heavier in weight than a standard spare tire for that vehicle. Further inspection of the tire revealed nine packages of a white crystallized substance concealed inside, a type of concealment method consistent with narcotic smuggling. The driver, passenger, vehicle, and narcotics were transported to the Indio Station to be processed accordingly. 

The contents of the nine packages tested positive for methamphetamine. The 26-year-old male driver and 53-year-old female passenger were in possession of 45.7 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $82,260. 

The driver, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

For all news, information, and updates related to the El Centro Border Patrol Sector, follow us on EL Centro - Facebook El Centro Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.cbp.gov  to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

Last Modified: Oct 25, 2023