U.S. Citizen Caught Smuggling Over $80,000 Worth of Drugs Over Border

Winter Storm Warning: Heavy Snowfall to Hit Ridgecrest and Surrounding Areas

Wrightwood Firefighters Rescue Stranded Individuals in Backcountry Snowstorms

SALTON CITY – A 31-year-old United States citizen was arrested at the Highway 86 checkpoint for attempting to smuggle approximately $84,400 worth of drugs in the frame of his vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.

At around 4:30 p.m. when the man approached the Border Patrol checkpoint in a tan 1998 Toyota Camry. The K9 team alerted to the vehicle during a primary inspection. The driver was referred to secondary inspection, where the K9 again alerted to the undercarriage of the vehicle.

A non-factory compartment under the rear seat area was located during a vehicle search. Through further inspection of the compartment agents located 11 plastic wrapped bundles of approximately 21.1 pounds of methamphetamine. “Every seizure our agents make is a step forward toward securing our streets and homes from dangerous narcotics and dangerous people,” said David S. Kim, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent. “I commend our agents for the hard work and dedication in keeping our communities safe.”

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