C.B.P. News Release

Border Patrol Seizes $1.7 Million in Cocaine at California Checkpoint

(Thursday, January 28, 2010)

Calexico, Calif. – Yesterday morning, Calexico agents conducting checkpoint operations at the Interstate 8 checkpoint east of Calexico seized more than 53 pounds of cocaine concealed within a sport-utility vehicle.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., agents encountered a blue sport-utility vehicle at the primary inspection area of the checkpoint. During the inspection, a U.S. Border Patrol canine team alerted agents to the possible presence of illegal contraband within the vehicle.

The driver and vehicle were escorted to a secondary inspection area where agents discovered 19 tightly wrapped packages concealed underneath the passenger side door frame. The packages contained cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $1.7 million.

The driver, contraband and vehicle 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 ... 2010_4.xml