Border Patrol Agents Arrest Rideshare Passenger Suspected of Smuggling Nearly $165,000 Worth of Fentanyl
Indio, Calif. - In a significant operation carried out by El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents, a woman was apprehended while attempting to smuggle fentanyl through a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Saturday morning.
The incident transpired at around 9:35 a.m. when a red sedan, containing a driver and one passenger, approached the U.S. Border Patrol’s Highway 86 immigration checkpoint. During a non-intrusive sniff of the vehicle’s exterior, a K-9 unit raised suspicions by alerting to the trunk, leading to the driver being directed to a secondary inspection area for a more thorough examination.
The driver explained that he worked as a rideshare driver and had been providing transportation services to an 18-year-old U.S. citizen passenger. As both the driver and passenger exited the vehicle, the K-9 unit signaled once again towards the trunk.
Upon further investigation in the secondary inspection area, Border Patrol agents uncovered 11 clear plastic bags, each containing blue pills. Subsequent testing confirmed that these pills were indeed fentanyl. These bags were discovered inside larger travel bags believed to belong to the passenger.
The apprehended passenger, along with the substantial quantity of fentanyl, was promptly handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further processing and a comprehensive investigation. The total weight of the seized fentanyl amounted to a staggering 14.54 pounds, and its estimated street value reached an alarming figure of $164,750, according to information provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
This arrest underscores the relentless efforts of Border Patrol agents to combat the smuggling of dangerous substances into the country. The seizure of such a substantial quantity of fentanyl is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against the illicit drug trade, as fentanyl continues to pose a grave threat to public health and safety.
The U.S. Border Patrol remains dedicated to its mission of safeguarding the nation’s borders, preventing the entry of illegal substances, and ensuring the security of its citizens. This operation serves as a reminder of the vigilance and unwavering commitment of the agency’s personnel in carrying out this crucial task.