Interstate 8 Checkpoint Operation Yield Methamphetamine Seizure

Calexico, California – On Friday Jan. 21, 2011, Calexico agents conducting checkpoint operations at the Interstate 8 east of Calexico seized more than four pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a sport-utility vehicle.

At approximately 7:00 a.m., agents encountered a green sport-utility vehicle at the primary inspection area of the checkpoint. During the inspection, a U.S. Border Patrol canine team alerted agents to the possible presence of illegal contraband within the vehicle. The driver and vehicle were escorted to a secondary inspection area where agents discovered a tightly wrapped package concealed within the intake manifold of the vehicles’ engine. The contents of the package tested positive for methamphetamine with an estimated street value of over $132,000.

The driver, contraband, and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.