60 lbs. of cocaine seized at checkpoint

U.S. Border Patrol agents seized 60 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the bumpers of the car at the Highway 86 checkpoint.

Agents say the driver, a 39-year-old man, drove up to the inspection checkpoint on Monday in a 2007 Ford Taurus and was alerted by a K-9 officer.

The man was sent to a more thorough inspections. Agents say they were able to find 24 packages containing cocaine wrapped in cellophane.

Agents estimate the street value of the drugs at about $731,000.

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim says, “This seizure highlights the important role played by our K-9 handlers and their partners in keeping our communities free from dangerous drugs.”

The man and drugs were both turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.