Border Patrol agents at the El Centro sector of Southern California recently apprehended two U.S. citizens for possession of methamphetamine, a non-registered firearm and ammo.
The suspects, a 43-year-old male and 41-year-old female, were driving a 2018 Nissan Altima on Highway 86 when they were stopped by Border Patrol agents, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release said.
“During the inspection, the K-9 Unit detected possible narcotics to the front of the vehicle,” the release said. “Upon further inspection of the interior of the vehicle, agents observed an open black backpack in the front seat floorboard.”
Agents searching the backpack found a package covered in black electrical tape, an unregistered 7.62 mm handgun and three boxes of ammo, the release said.
The 1.1-pound package tested positive for methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1800, the release said.
A record check on the suspects revealed a prior conviction of smuggling marijuana for the 43-year-old driver and a conviction of “8 USC 1324, Alien Smuggling” for the 41-year-old passenger, the release said.
The suspects and evidence were handed over to the Brawley Police Department after being processed at a Highway 86 safety checkpoint, the release said.
