El Centro Border Patrol agents thwart two drug-smuggling attempts
Photos: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Originally published 1-27-21
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
“SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents stopped two drug smuggling attempts at two different checkpoints on Tuesday.
The first incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m., when a 28-year-old man driving a silver Chrysler PT Cruiser approached the Highway 111 checkpoint. A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle in the primary inspection lane. Agents directed the vehicle to enter the secondary inspection area for further investigation.
During their inspection, agents discovered four packages of suspected narcotics in the vehicles oil pan. The contents inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of fentanyl. Agents arrested the driver and held him for further processing.
The total weight of the fentanyl was approximately 5.27 pounds with an estimated value of $59,750.
El Centro Sector turned over the driver, a U.S. citizen, the vehicle and the narcotics to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The second incident occurred at approximately 9:49 p.m., when a 36-year-old woman driving a red Kia Rio along with her two male passengers approached the Highway 86 checkpoint. A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle in the primary inspection lane. Agents directed the vehicle to enter the secondary inspection area for further investigation.
During their inspection, agents discovered three packages of suspected narcotics inside a red handbag behind the driver’s seat. The contents inside the packages tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine. Agents also discovered a Derringer 38 special handgun inside a black backpack located on the front passenger seat. Agents arrested the driver and her passengers and held him for further processing.
The total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 2.49 pounds with an estimated value of $5,602.
El Centro Sector turned over the driver and passengers, all U.S. citizens, the vehicle and the narcotics to Imperial County Sherriff’s Department.”
