Border Patrol agents from the El Centro Sector arrested two women, both U.S. citizens aged 42 and 36, on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 176 pounds of methamphetamine through the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint near Indio, California. The drugs have an estimated street value of $149,727.
The incident occurred on August 22 at approximately 6:40 a.m., when a black SUV arrived at the checkpoint. A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted agents to the possible presence of hidden people or narcotics in the vehicle. Upon further inspection, agents found several packages containing a crystal-like substance wrapped in plastic inside concealed compartments. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine.
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Joseph A. Remenar noted that this marks the third major drug seizure by Indio Station agents within two weeks. “Any one of these seizures is significant on its own,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent Remenar said. “Together, they illustrate the dedication and tenacity that the men and women of the El Centro Sector display every single day. Border security is national security, and these seizures are a testament to the importance of the Border Patrol’s national security mission.”
On August 12, agents searching a van with a strong odor discovered 238.72 pounds of marijuana and THC products along with $16,265 in cash; authorities estimate the value of those drugs at $190,976. In another event later that day, K-9 teams helped find 21 bundles hidden in floorboards of another vehicle; those packages contained about 79.9 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $67,932.
In each case, suspects were arrested and vehicles, drugs, and cash were seized by U.S. Border Patrol.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel responsible for border management across land, air, and sea domains (https://www.cbp.gov/about). The agency states its mission includes enforcing lawful travel and trade while working to ensure national security.
For more information or updates from CBP’s El Centro Sector, visit their official website or follow @USBPChiefELC on X (formerly Twitter).
