CALEXICO, Calif.–U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico port of entry seized approximately 565 pounds of dangerous narcotics valued at more than $2 million in a single catch.
Last Thursday at approximately 4 a.m., a 55-year-old driver of a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander allegedly attempted to smuggle fentanyl and methamphetamine concealed in various areas of the vehicle. The Customs and Border Protection officer referred the driver and vehicle for further examination due to anomalies.
The X-ray imaging system operator identified anomalies in all four doors, dashboard and quarter panels of the vehicle.
Officers screened the vehicle with a K-9 and the detector dog alerted to the doors and rear bumper. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered 20 packages of fentanyl weighing 48 pounds, and 121 packages of methamphetamine weighing 517 pounds hidden in the floor, gas tank, seats, and spare tire of the vehicle.
Customs and Border Protection officers immediately arrested the suspect and turned him over to Homeland Security Investigations for further disposition. Officers seized the vehicle and narcotics.
