Border Patrol finds $395K worth of meth hidden in vehicle
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Andrade port of entry discovered approximately $395,000 worth of hard narcotic hidden inside the quarter panels and spare tire of a vehicle.
The incident occurred on Monday, Aug. 20, at about 6:29 a.m., when a CBP officer conducting primary inspections encountered a 64-year-old male Guatemalan citizen and legal permanent resident of the U.S. driving a Ford Windstar. During inspection, a canine team alerted to the vehicle. Officers referred both the driver and vehicle for a more in-depth examination.
During the intensive inspection, officers utilized a CBP canine team and discovered 152 wrapped packages of methamphetamine inside the quarter panels and spare tire.
The weight of the narcotic was 158 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $395,000.
“CBP officers are dedicated to securing our nation’s borders,” said Andrade (acting) Port Director Martin Cuesta. “CBP officers remain vigilant and focused on inspecting all persons entering the ports of entry.”
The driver, a resident of San Luis, Arizona, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt. CBP officers turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing. The man was later transported to the Imperial County Jail where he currently awaits arraignment.
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CBP seized the narcotic and vehicle.
