Three Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Drugs Across Border Patrol Checkpoint

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SALTON CITY – Two U.S. and one Mexican citizen were arrested for attempting to smuggle illicit drugs through a Border Patrol checkpoint over the weekend officials said.

The three suspects were arrested during three separate inspections at the El Centro area checkpoint, located at Highway 86 and 111. On Saturday night, at around 7:00 p.m. an 18-year-old a male U.S. citizen approached the checkpoint in a black 1999 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection and the canine team alerted to the area behind the driver’s seat. In the area, 30 small cereal boxes were located. The cereal boxes contained a white crystal-like substance later determined to be 16.7 pounds of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine had a street value of around $58,450.

The suspect, vehicle, and drugs were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

A 34-year-old Mexican citizen was found to be in possession of approximately $14,235 worth of cocaine on Saturday at around 10:00 p.m. The white 2000 Toyota Avalon was sent for secondary inspection for a closer examination where the canine team alerted to the center console. In the center console there was a clear plastic bag carrying 1.1 pounds cocaine.

The suspect, vehicle and drugs were turned over to the High Intensity Drug Task Force for further investigation.

On Sunday afternoon, a 46-year-old male U.S. citizen attempted to cross the border checkpoint with nearly 24 pounds of methamphetamine. The driver of the blue 2007 Saturn Aura, caused a canine team alert to his vehicle during the primary inspection. The man was sent for secondary inspection. During a search of the vehicle a non-factory compartment was located and inside 21 vacuum-sealed bundles were found. These bags contained 23.78 pounds of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $83,230.

The man, vehicle, drugs were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.