CBP at Imperial Valley Ports seize more than $511,500 worth of narcotics

The United States Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico East and Andrade ports of entry, intercepted more than $511,500 in cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine over the weekend.

The first seizure occurred on Sunday, July 1, about 1:30 p.m., at the Calexico East port of entry when a CBP officer encountered two women who entered the border crossing in a blue 2014 Ford F-150.

The officer referred the occupants and vehicle for a more in-depth examination.

Officers ran the vehicle through the port’s imaging system and detected anomalies in the fuel tank. After searching the vehicle they found 42 wrapped packages of methamphetamine in the fuel tank, weighting 47 pounds with a street value of approximately $117,000.

The driver and passenger were arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.

The second seizure occurred later on that day, at about 5:40 p.m., at the Andrade port of entry when a CBP officer encountered an 18-year-old female driving a 2013 Chevy Silverado.

During the inspection, the officer detected abnormalities to the fuel tank and escorted both driver and vehicle for further examination. A canine team screened the vehicle and alerted to the vehicle’s undercarriage.

Officers discovered 38 wrapped packages of methamphetamine, 10 packages of cocaine, and one package of heroin hidden inside the fuel tank and spare tire.

The weight of the narcotics was 76 pounds of methamphetamine, 15 pounds of cocaine, and three pounds of heroin with a street value of approximately $394,000.

The driver was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.

Both drivers and passenger were turned over to Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing and were later transported to the Imperial County Jail where they currently await arraignment.

CBP seized the narcotics and vehicles.