Calexico CBP officers seize $335k worth of narcotics over the weekend

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Calexico Port of Entry seized $335,000 worth of methamphetamine and heroin in hidden in two vehicles over the weekend.

CBP said the first incident occurred on August 4 at the Calexico West Port of Entry when an officer referred a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck driven by a 36-year-old U.S. citizen for further inspection.

During the inspection, officers screened the truck using the port’s imaging system and a canine detected anomalies in the four tires. Officers searched the tires and discovered 24 wrapped packages of methamphetamine hidden inside metal canisters attached to the wheels.

Agents said the total weight of the narcotics was 132 pounds with a street value of $211,000.

Hours later officers met two women, a 20-year-old and her passenger a 19-year old both U.S. citizens in a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder where both occupants were referred for a more in-depth examination of their vehicle.

Officers said a canine alerted to the vehicle’s undercarriage where they discovered wrapped packages of heroin concealed within the transmission of the transfer case. Officers also discovered five packages of heroin with a total weight of 17 pounds with an estimated value of $124,000.

The drivers were arrested for the alleged narcotics smuggling attempts and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing.

CBP seized all vehicles and narcotics.