BP agents discover Narcotics in vehicle’s engine compartment
El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Highway 86 arrested a man suspected of smuggling methamphetamine Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. when a 2007 Chevrolet Aveo approached the highway checkpoint.
During primary inspection, a Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the vehicle and was then directed to secondary inspection for further investigation.
Agents then discovered 34 packages concealed behind the firewall of the vehicle. When the contents of the packages were tested, they indicated positive for methamphetamine.
The total weight of the methamphetamine was 32.4 pounds and has an estimated street value of 106,920.
The suspect was identified as a 26-year-old lawfully admitted permanent resident.
“Every seizure that we make is a financial loss to those who continue to operate in illegal drug trafficking,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim.
The man, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.