Indio, CA–El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested four United States citizens in two separate events attempting to smuggle narcotics further into the United States.
The first incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, at approximately 2:05 p.m. when a white 2004 Dodge Durango approached the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint. The agent inspecting vehicles in the primary lanes referred the vehicle to secondary inspection.
A Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle. Agents inspected the interior of the vehicle and discovered a nightstand with a false compartment used to conceal narcotics. An in-depth inspection revealed 10 packages containing a white crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
The 29-year-old male driver was in possession of 64 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $244,140.
The man, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The second incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, at approximately 4 p.m. when agents conducting anti-smuggling operations performed a vehicle stop on a blue 2022 Honda Accord on Interstate 10 and Golf Center Parkway.
A Border Patrol K-9 detection team assisted in the vehicle stop and alerted to the rear area of the passenger side. After an extensive search of the interior of the vehicle, agents discovered a large blanket concealing a duffel bag that contained several bundles wrapped in duct tape and electrical tape. The bundles contained blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl and five packages that tested positive for cocaine.
Agents also discovered a large amount of cash in the vehicle center console wrapped in a rubber band. The currency had a value of $9,440.
All three occupants were in possession of 12.2 pounds of cocaine and 13.5 pounds of fentanyl pills with a combined estimated street value of $418,810.
The occupants, vehicle, money, and narcotics were turned over to local law enforcement authorities.
