El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents seized 114.5 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $96,942, during a vehicle inspection at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint on Monday morning. A U.S. citizen was arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt.
K-9 Team Detects Hidden Drugs
At around 11:50 a.m., a sedan approached the primary inspection area, where a Border Patrol K-9 team trained to detect drugs and concealed persons alerted agents to the vehicle. The driver was directed to a secondary inspection area, where further investigation led to the discovery of an aftermarket compartment beneath the floorboards. Inside, agents found several wrapped packages resembling narcotics. Upon testing, the substance was confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine Seized, Driver Arrested
Agents removed the methamphetamine from the vehicle and placed the driver under arrest for transportation of a controlled substance. The driver, vehicle, and narcotics were handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for prosecution.
Border Security Efforts Continue
El Centro Sector Chief Gregory K. Bovino emphasized the significance of the seizure, stating, “This hefty seizure represents something significant happening here in the Premier Sector and across the Border Patrol, namely that cartel terrorists have an ever more difficult time smuggling drugs. Our checkpoints are open for business, and Border Patrol agents know more, much more, than cartel terrorists know.”
Stay Updated
For more updates on Border Patrol operations, visit www.cbp.gov. Follow the U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector on X (formerly Twitter) @USBPChiefELC, on Facebook at U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector, and on Instagram @USBPChiefELC.
