U.S. Border Patrol agents in the El Centro Sector seized narcotics valued at approximately $213,000 on California State Route 86. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a yellow semi-truck was stopped at the immigration checkpoint and referred for secondary inspection.
During this inspection, a K-9 detection team alerted agents to the vehicle. Fresh tool marks were found on the axle head, leading to the discovery of 14 packages wrapped in plastic cellophane, commonly used in drug smuggling. The packages contained 17.5 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $198,500 and 8 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $14,500.
El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino commented on the operation: “This excellent apprehension came just in time for Valentine’s Day,” adding that he hoped "a black-hearted drug smuggler hopefully is headed to prison."
The driver was taken into custody and the drugs were confiscated as evidence while investigations continue.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is recognized as America's largest law enforcement organization and aims to secure borders through innovation and collaboration.
