CBP seizes 126 packages of meth hidden in SUV

Officers working at the Andrade port of entry seized 126 packages of methamphetamine hidden in a vehicle on Friday, April 5, according to US Customs and Border Protection.

CBP said officers encountered a 2002 Ford Sport Trac SUV driven by a 48-year-old woman at around 9:13 p.m. and detected inconsistencies with their travel itinerary and referred the occupants for a more in-depth inspection.

CBP said her passengers were her daughters, a 20-year-old and a five-year-old.

A canine team screened the vehicle and during an intensive search, officers uncovered 126 wrapped packages of meth stashed inside the SUV’s rear seats, cargo area, spare tire and inside the quarter panels.

In total, CBP officers removed 128 pounds of meth from the vehicle and the street value of the narcotics is estimated to be $204,800.

The driver and the 20-year-old passenger, both U.S. citizens and residents of Yuma, were arrested for the alleged narcotics smuggling attempt, according to CBP.

The drivers and passenger were turned over to Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing and were later transported to the Imperial County Jail.

CBP said the five-year-old child was released to child protective services.

The narcotics and vehicle were seized.