Photo: Seized meth on display
CALEXICO – Anomalies during a border crossing inspection led an astute U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to discover 65 packages of methamphetamine hidden inside a spare tire.
An inconsistency revealed itself at Calexico East’s port of entry when an unnamed 43-year-old female Mexican citizen and legal permanent U.S. resident presented a blue Chevy Silverado for inspection on April 2nd at about 11:15 PM. The officer detected a peculiarity to the tire that led to the driver’s and vehicle’s escort for further investigation.
Last night, CBP announced, “An intensive examination included the use of the port’s imaging system and a canine team. After the canine alerted to the vehicle’s undercarriage, officers discovered 65 wrapped packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the spare tire of the vehicle. The weight of the narcotic was 67 pounds with a street value of approximately $167,500.”
Officers arrested the Brawley resident. Homeland Security Investigation agents took her into custody for further processing and transport to the Imperial County Jail, where she awaits arraignment.
Area Port Director David Salazar declared, “CBP officers at the border crossings in Southern California routinely stop illegal activity, while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States. This seizure is another example of dedicated CBP officers using their skills and advanced technology to stop the smuggling of dangerous contraband into the United States.”
