Border Patrol agents from the El Centro Sector have arrested a 27-year-old U.S. citizen suspected of attempting to smuggle 113 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $96,500. The arrest took place on Monday morning when Indio Station agents stopped a black pickup truck towing a trailer on Highway 86 near Indio.
A Border Patrol K-9 trained to detect hidden people and illegal substances alerted agents to the vehicle and trailer. An initial search uncovered a compartment in the trailer containing a crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Further investigation at the Indio Station revealed 36 packages of the drug concealed within three compartments in the trailer's floor.
El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino commented on the operation: “A sharp-eyed Border Patrol agent from Indio Station and his K-9 partner just took it to the bad guys, and we are proud of them! The Premier Sector goes to the ends of the earth to stop dangerous drugs such as these – ma and pa America, stay tuned, much more to come!”
The driver was arrested, and both the vehicle and drugs were seized by U.S. Border Patrol.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America's frontline law enforcement organization, with over 65,000 personnel working across various environments to protect national security while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
