Border Patrol seizes more than $500,000 worth of meth at checkpoint


Posted: Jan 14, 2013 3:56 PM PST<em class="wnDate">Monday, January 14, 2013 6:56 PM EST</em>Updated: Jan 14, 2013 3:56 PM PST<em class="wnDate">Monday, January 14, 2013 6:56 PM EST</em>


Web Reporter: Lucy Valencia, Assignment Desk Editor

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio Station arrested a drug smuggler at the Highway 86 checkpoint and seized approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine.

At around 10 a.m. on January 13, a 31-year-old man drove up to the Border Patrol checkpoint located between Westmorland and Salton City.

The man's 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix was referred to secondary inspection after a canine team alerted agents.

Upon further investigation, agents discovered 15 packages of methamphetamine hidden in the car.

The methamphetamine had a combined weight of approximately 18 pounds and an estimated street value of $576,000.

The man, a citizen of Mexico with a B1/B2 Visa, was arrested as the sole suspect in the case.

The suspect, vehicle, and meth were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

http://www.kswt.com/story/20585744/border-patrol-seizes-more-than-500000-worth-of-methamphetamine-at-checkpoint