26-year-old woman arrested for attempting to smuggle meth

Border Patrol arrested a 26-year-old woman who attempted to smuggle almost $52,000 worth of methamphetamine at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint Friday afternoon.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the incident happened at around 12:30 p.m. when a 26-year-old woman, of Mexico, arrived at the checkpoint in a white Dodge crossover.

Agents referred the vehicle to secondary inspection where a Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the vehicle. Following a search, agents discovered 12 packages hidden behind the Dodger’s engine in the area of the firewall.

The packages were tested and resulted positive for characteristics of methamphetamine. The packages’ combined weight totaled 19.5 pounds, with an approximate value of $51,728.

“This drug seizure is a testament to the hard work our agents are doing on a daily basis,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “The communities of this great nation are a little safer today.”

The woman was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and narcotics for further investigation.