Agents Seize Narcotics Valued at over $2.55 Million

Updated: Monday, 27 Feb 2012, 8:54 PM MST
Published : Monday, 27 Feb 2012, 8:54 PM MST

SALTON SEA, Calif. - Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio station arrested two suspected smugglers and seized over $2.55 million worth of illegal narcotics.

During a search, a canine team was alerted to a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu occupied by a 40-year-old female Mexican national at the Highway 86 checkpoint near Salton Sea.

A thorough inspection of the car revealed a hidden compartment with 11 packages of cocaine. The drugs weighed 27 pounds and have a street value of approximately $880,000.

Later in the day, a canine team was alerted to a 2004 Honda Accord occupied by a 42-year-old Mexican national, his adult son and juvenile daughter.

While searching the vehicle, agents found 42 vacuum sealed packages of methamphetamine hidden in several non-factory compartments. The drugs weighed 52 pounds and have a street value of over $1.67 million.

Both suspects were arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the cars and narcotics.

No names were released.

Agents Seize Narcotics Valued at over $2.55 Million