218 pounds of liquid methamphetamine found in gas tank at highway 86 border patrol checkpoint
INDIO, Calif. — El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 86 U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in California apprehended a 21-year-old man on Monday afternoon, suspected of smuggling a significant quantity of narcotics. The operation resulted in the seizure of 218 pounds of liquid methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $328,000.
The incident unfolded around 2:45 p.m. when the suspect, driving a blue SUV, approached the checkpoint. A K-9 detection team, specialized in identifying concealed people and narcotics, signaled suspicion during the primary inspection. As a result, agents directed the vehicle to undergo secondary inspection for further investigation.
Upon closer examination of the gas tank, agents noticed irregularities that prompted a more thorough investigation. Inside the tank, they discovered a suspicious crystallized liquid, which subsequent testing confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Border Patrol agents successfully extracted a total of 218 pounds of liquid methamphetamine. The driver, along with the seized drugs and the vehicle, was handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for additional investigation and processing.
This significant drug bust underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit drug trade. The collaboration between Border Patrol agents and the DEA highlights the commitment to ensuring the safety of communities and preventing the flow of narcotics across the nation.
In a related incident on November 29, Texas Border Patrol agents intercepted another substantial shipment of methamphetamine, seizing over $3 million worth of the drug hidden within a vehicle's bumper during a traffic stop near Laredo.
The ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies at border checkpoints play a crucial role in intercepting illegal substances and preventing them from reaching the streets. The DEA will continue its investigation into the individuals involved in these smuggling attempts, aiming to dismantle any associated criminal networks.