Twice in One Night – CBP Thwarts Two Meth-Smuggling Attempts at the Border
Photo: scene from the second incident
CALEXICO, CA. – The CBP – El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents intercepted two
narcotics-smuggling attempts in two separate events on the night of August 5th.
First, at 6:45 PM, Agents were notified by Remote Video Surveillance Operator – of a suspicious incident near the International Boundary Fence, approximately one mile east of the
Calexico Downtown West Port of Entry.
A man was recovering several objects at the border fence behind an apartment complex.
The quick-responding Border Patrol Agents from the Calexico Station made contact with
the man, who they observed “throwing several packages over a cinder block wall into the
apartment complex,” said CBP.
Agents seized five black-tape-wrapped packages of a crystal-like substance, and
arrested the man. A transport to the Calexico Station processed the anonymous U.S.
citizen (41), and tested the substance.
The goods were positively ID’d for methamphetamine, weighing-in at 2.64 lbs., with a
street value of approximately $5,940. Both the narcotics and the man were handed over
to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Next, a man driving with a male passenger approached the checkpoint at approximately
10:10 PM. While in the primary inspection lane, a skilled Border Patrol K-9 alerted the
Detection Team to the black Toyota Camry.
A quick trip to the secondary examination area proved true-to-form for the K-9’s acuity.
“Agents discovered five cellophane wrapped bundles concealed within the spare tire
area containing a white crystal-like substance inside,” said CBP. “The substance tested
positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine.”
The men were placed under arrest and – along with the spare-tire meth – were taken to
the detention area for further processing. At approximately 5.95 pounds, the estimated
street value of the seized narcotics is $13,387.
The two United States citizens, ages 24 and 22, along with their car, were turned over
along with the nearly six pounds of seized meth to the Border Crime 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.
