Border Patrol Apprehends Meth Smuggler

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents at the Indio Station in California apprehended a suspected narcotics smuggler at the Highway 86 checkpoint and seized approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine. 

The incident occurred on Sunday when a 26-year-old male driver approached the Border Patrol checkpoint located between Westmorland and Salton City.  

A canine team alerted to the vehicle was subsequently referred to secondary inspection.  Agents discovered 29 packages of methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle.  The methamphetamine had a combined weight of approximately 30 pounds and an estimated street value of over $980,000.  

The man, a citizen of Mexico and Lawfully Admitted Permanent Residence card holder, was arrested as the sole suspect in the case.