U.S. Border Patrol agents from the El Centro Sector arrested a 42-year-old undocumented Mexican woman suspected of smuggling nearly 120 pounds of methamphetamine through the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint.
At approximately 12:13 a.m., agents at the checkpoint encountered a black compact sedan during a routine inspection. A K-9 detection team alerted authorities to the presence of concealed narcotics or people within the vehicle.
Over 100 Packages of Meth Found in Hidden Compartment
Upon secondary inspection, agents discovered 120 packages of a crystal-like substance wrapped in cellophane and hidden in a vehicle compartment. Field tests confirmed the substance was methamphetamine, with a total weight of 119.5 pounds and an estimated street value of $105,000.
Suspect Admitted to Being in the U.S. Illegally
The driver, who was residing in Bakersfield, California, at the time of the arrest, admitted to being in the United States without legal documentation. She was immediately placed under arrest.
Vehicle and Drugs Seized by Border Patrol
The U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle and narcotics. The case remains under investigation. For more information, contact the Border Patrol Public Affairs Office at (202) 344-1780.
