El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents recently seized over 250 pounds of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $450,396, during a checkpoint stop. The driver, a 43-year-old permanent resident who was operating a semi-truck, has been arrested on drug charges related to the incident.
"This past weekend, Indio agents seized approximately, -302.7 lbs. of meth -$10,100 (money made from an illegal smuggling event) That is over half a million dollars worth of dangerous drugs prevented from entering our communities", said Gregory K. Bovino, according to X.
According to a news release from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the incident took place on Feb. 1 at the U.S. Border Patrol’s Highway 86 checkpoint. Agents grew suspicious of the semi when a K-9 unit alerted them as the vehicle approached the primary inspection area. This led to a secondary inspection where agents discovered 250.22 pounds of methamphetamine.
The CBP news release further explained that a ZBF-Backscatter, a mobile X-ray cargo and vehicle screening system, was employed to locate the drugs within the trailer. The screening revealed numerous discrepancies above pallets of soda. A closer inspection of the trailer uncovered four boxes near its rear that contained packages of methamphetamine.
The seizure is part of Operation Apollo, as per the news release. This is a recently launched regional operation involving federal, state and local agencies working collaboratively to keep fentanyl and other illicit synthetic narcotics off the streets.
"In my 30 years as a customs official, the trafficking of synthetic illicit drugs like fentanyl is one of the toughest, most daunting challenges I have ever seen," said Miller in another news release regarding CBP's ongoing efforts to combat fentanyl and synthetic drugs. "Through this updated strategy, we will channel the incredible efforts of the men and women of CBP to keep this and other drugs out of the country."
