Calexico CBP officers seize 83 pounds of Meth
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico West port of entry seized 83 pounds of methamphetamine this week in two separate incidents.
The first seizure occurred on Monday at about 11:30 a.m. at the Calexico West port of entry, when a CBP officer encountered a 28-year-old female U.S. citizen driving a black 2007 Toyota Corolla. The officer referred both the driver and vehicle for a more intensive inspection.
A canine unit screened the vehicle and the detector dog alerted to the vehicle’s doors. CBP officers searched the vehicle and discovered 40 wrapped packages of methamphetamine concealed inside all four doors and dashboard. The weight of the narcotics was 50 pounds with a street value of approximately $70,000.
“The seizure of dangerous narcotics plays an important part in keeping our borders secure,” said Area Port Director David Salazar. “Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our officers, these drugs were intercepted and our streets are safer for it.”
The driver, a resident of Riverside, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.
The second seizure occurred on Tuesday at about 3:38 a.m., at the Calexico downtown port when an officer referred a 23-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a white 2009 Dodge Caliber for a more in-depth examination.
During the intensive examination, officers utilized the port’s imaging system and a canine team to search the vehicle. During their inspection, officers found 30 wrapped packages of methamphetamine concealed in a non-factory compartment underneath the center console of the vehicle. The weight of the narcotics was 33 pounds with a street value of approximately $46,200.
The driver, a resident of Mexicali, Baja California, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.
Both drivers were turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing and were transported to the Imperial County Jail where they currently await arraignment.
CBP seized the narcotics and vehicles.
