EC Sector Border Patrol agents arrest man attempting to smuggle meth

A man suspected of smuggling methamphetamine on Saturday morning was arrested by the El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint.

Agents said the 27-year-old man driving a black 2012 Jeep Wrangler approached the checkpoint when a canine alerted to the vehicle. The vehicle was sent to secondary inspection for further investigations.

While in secondary, agents said they discovered 22 packages hidden inside a spare tire that was mounted on the rear door. Agents then determined that the substance in the package was consistent with the characteristics of methamphetamine.

According to agents, the total weight of the methamphetamine discovered is 24.85 pounds, worth $57,155.

The man, a United States citizen, the vehicle, and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).