Man arrested for human smuggling, loaded gun, and meth at Salton City

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)-A man is arrested at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint after agents found a handgun and methamphetamine in his vehicle.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) say the incident occurred on Wednesday when a 26-year-old man approached the immigration checkpoint in a silver BMW. 

A canine alerted to his vehicle and agents directed the vehicle to enter the secondary inspection area for further investigation. 

In secondary inspection, agents found a handgun with a magazine within the driver’s door pocket through the passenger window.  The driver was removed from the vehicle safely and agents secured the weapon.

The man confirmed the gun was loaded with 10 rounds.  Agents also discovered a box containing 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition in a backpack located in the trunk of the vehicle.  While agents searched the man, they found a small amount of methamphetamine in his side pant pocket.

As agents continued to search the vehicle they saw multiple fast food bags and drinks in the back seat.  They began a search around the checkpoint area for possible occupants attempting to avoid the checkpoint by walking around it. 

CBP says agents then received a call from a concerning citizen in regards to three individuals inside a ranch near the checkpoint.  Agents responded and made contact with the individuals. They confirmed that all three men were from Mexico and were illegally present in the United States. 

Agents were able to immediately link at least one from the group to have traveled in the silver BMW. 

All three men, a 46, 36, and 28-year-old, were placed under arrest and transported to the checkpoint for further processing.

The 26-year-old driver, a United States citizen, was placed under arrest and will be held in federal custody pending criminal charges.