Border Patrol arrest man in possession of meth and firearm

A man was arrested at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint after Customs and Border Protection said he was found in possession of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm Thursday night.

According to Customs and Border Protection officials, the incident happened at approximately 10:08 p.m. A 39-year-old man driving a Nissan Sentra, along with a 45-year-old man, approached the checkpoint.

A canine detection team alerted to the Nissan which led agents to refer the two men to secondary inspection. This is where authorities discovered a .380 automatic pistol, methamphetamine, and paraphernalia. Agents also found the vehicle’s passenger had an extensive criminal record.

The methamphetamine’s total weight was about 15 grams and had an estimated value of $1,088.

“Our Border Patrol agents stand vigilant day in and day out enforcing laws to promote national security and public safety,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Encountering armed individuals committing other crimes illustrates the level of danger Border Patrol agents are exposed to on a daily basis.”

The vehicle’s passenger, weapon, and contraband were all turned over to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

The driver of the Nissan was released at the scene without further incident.