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Narcotic Body Carriers Arrested by Border Patrol Agents

Release Date
Fri, 06/26/2020

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested three people suspected of smuggling narcotics on their bodies Thursday morning. 

The total weight of the fentanyl discovered was approximately 1.58 pounds with an estimated value of $15,000.The incident occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m., when a man driving a green 2004 Honda Accord with two female passengers approached the checkpoint.  A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle in the primary inspection lane.  Agents directed the vehicle aside for further investigation.

Border Patrol agents searched the vehicle and the individuals and found two small balloons hidden on both the women’s lower body area.  One woman had a balloon inside her under garments; the other woman had a balloon hidden internally.  Agents also discovered a small amount of personal use methamphetamine inside one of the women’s bra.

Agents determined that the substance inside the balloons tested positive for the characteristics of fentanyl.  The total weight of the fentanyl discovered was approximately 1.58 pounds with an estimated value of $15,000.

The three subjects, all adult United States citizens, the narcotics and vehicle 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