Border Patrol Nabs Suspected Smuggler at Calif. Checkpoint

(Wednesday, April 27, 2011)

Westmorland, Calif.— U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio, Calif. station arrested a man Wednesday afternoon attempting to smuggle more than $100,000 worth of methamphetamine.

A Border Patrol canine team alerted to a tan colored Pontiac Grand Prix while performing a cursory search at primary inspection of the Highway 86 Checkpoint near Westmorland, Calif. The sedan was being driven by a 37-year-old male United States citizen. During secondary inspection, a thorough search of the vehicle was conducted and Border Patrol agents discovered approximately 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a non-factory compartment.

The driver, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release
El Centro Sector
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (760) 335-5798
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2011_6.xml