Border Patrol makes three drug-related arrests over the weekend
Border Patrol agents arrested three men suspected of smuggling narcotics in three separate events at the Highway 86 and 111 checkpoints over the weekend.
The first arrest happened on Saturday night around 7 p.m. when an 18-year-old man approached the Highway 86 checkpoint driving a black 1999 Jeep Cherokee.
Agents referred the man to secondary inspection where a Border Patrol detection canine team alerted to the vehicle behind the driver’s seat.
After a search of the area, agents discovered 30 small cereal boxes containing a white crystal-like substance, which was later determined to be methamphetamine.
The total weight of the meth was 16.7 pounds and had an estimated street value of $58,450.
The man, a United States citizen, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.
Three hours later, the second incident occurred when a 34-year-old man approached the same checkpoint in a white, 2000 Toyota Avalon.
Agents sent the man to secondary inspection where a detection canine team alerted to the vehicle’s center console. Agents inspected the area and found a clear plastic bag of a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.
The weight of the cocaine was 1.1 pounds and had an estimated street value of $14,235.
The man, a Mexican citizen, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the High-Intensity Drug Task Force for further investigation.
The last incident happened Sunday afternoon at approximately 3 p.m. when a 46-year-old man approached the Highway 111 checkpoint in a blue, 2007 Saturn Aura.
Agents referred the man to secondary for further inspection after a Border Patrol detection canine team alerted to the vehicle.
At secondary inspection, agents searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory compartment, which contained 21 vacuum-sealed bundles that were later determined to contain methamphetamine.
The total weight of the meth was 23.78 pounds and had an estimated street value of $83,230.
The man, a United States citizen, vehicle, and narcotics were turned-over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.
