Border Patrol agents find meth inside spare tire

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested a 29-year-old man suspected of smuggling methamphetamine on Friday morning.

The suspect attempted to smuggle the meth inside his vehicle’s spare tire.

The incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m., when a Lawful Permanent Resident , approached the checkpoint in a white 2000 Ford Ranger.

Throughout immigration inspection, a BP canine detection team alerted to the rear end of the truck and referred the truck to secondary inspection for further investigation.

In secondary, agents discovered 26 packages concealed in the spare tire of the truck.

The packages were tested positive for methamphetamine.

The combined weight of the packages totaled to 35.64 lbs. , with an estimated street value of $94,446.

The suspect was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and narcotics for further investigation. Details of the arrest were also referred to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to determine if revoking his privileged status is warranted.

“Couriering hard narcotics like methamphetamines is not consistent with the behavior our country expects of immigrants who are present legally.” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim. “In addition to answering for the crimes this subject is charged with, we will pursue revocation of legal immigration status when appropriate.”