Firearm, drugs thrown over border fence found

On Saturday night, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico station recovered drugs and a firearm concealed in tape-wrapped packages near First Street and Blair Avenue, a Customs and Border Protection news release stated.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday after agents received a call from a concerned citizen about a suspicious package in the middle of the street.

Agents responded to the location and found a football-shaped package wrapped in tape.

Upon closer inspection, agents noticed a second bundle in the grass located approximately 50 yards away. It appeared to be a pistol wrapped in tape.

Both items were seized and transported to the Calexico Border Patrol station.

There were no individuals arrested with the seizure. The substance in the package was tested with a Narcotics Identification System kit and tested positive for marijuana.

The weight of the marijuana was 2 pounds and was valued at $600.

The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The second bundle shaped like a firearm contained a Jennings Firearms Bryco-59 9mm handgun with one magazine and no ammunition.

The serial number had been tampered with and was illegible.

“I am very thankful that our agents took this firearm off the streets. There is no doubt in my mind that the firearm recovered would have been used to perpetrate violent crime,” said El Centro Sector Chief Gloria Chavez.