Narcotics Smuggling Attempts Thwarted at Ports of Entry in Two Counties
Ports of entry in the San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties were the scenes of two major drug smuggling attempts, this past weekend. More than 280 LBS of dangerous drugs from Mexico were intercepted.
Over half-a million dollars in seized narcotics is the total value estimate. Following an alert from a CBP canine, the most recent interception occurred on June 19, at approximately 1 p.m., when a 47-year-old male, a valid passport holder, entered the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, driving a 2011 Chevy Equinox and escorted to the secondary inspection area after CBP officers saw packages in the vehicle.
When CBP officers screened the vehicle utilizing a non-intrusive machine, similar to an X-ray, it revealed anomalies in various areas of the vehicle. Officers inspected the vehicle and found a total of 173 packages containing methamphetamine in the doors, quarter panels, and firewall.
The total weight of the packages was 164.29 pounds with an estimated street value of $361,438. cThe second smuggling attempt on June 17, at approximately 4 p.m., occurred when a 34-year-old woman, a valid B1/B2 border crossing card holder, entered the U.S. through the Calexico Port of Entry driving a 2007 Ford Fusion. During an inspection, CBP officers utilized canine and non-intrusive inspection system, resulting in the discovery of 99 packages, identified as methamphetamine, weighing 122.04 pounds from the vehicle’s doors and gas tank.
The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $219,672. All narcotics were seized by CBP officers along with the vehicles.
As a final note, CBP added, “Both drivers were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations for further processing and booked by local law enforcement. CBP officers at the border crossing in Southern California
