C.B.P. News Release

Agents at I-8 Checkpoint Seize $2.8 Million in Cocaine

(Thursday, April 07, 2011)

Calexico, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico station interdicted a cocaine smuggling attempt worth an estimated $2.8 million at the Interstate 8 checkpoint yesterday.

At approximately 9 a.m., agents working primary inspection encountered a white Ford F-250 pickup truck being driven by a 54-year-old Mexican man with a valid permanent resident card. A cursory inspection was performed by a Border Patrol canine team resulting in a positive alert.

The driver was referred to secondary inspection where a thorough search resulted in the discovery of multiple packages of cocaine concealed within a non-factory compartment. The total weight of the packaged cocaine is approximately 88 pounds.

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_3.xml