CBP seizes 400 lbs. of meth between two smuggling attempts

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico west port of entry intercepted meth smugglers attempting to transport more than 400 pounds of methamphetamine in two separate incidents on Saturday.

The estimated value of the meth is $1.2 million, CBP said in a release.

The first incident occurred about 4 p.m., when CBP officers were alerted by a K-9 to a 2005 Nissan driven by an 18-year old Mexican citizen waiting to enter the United States.

The vehicle was driven through the X-ray imaging system where an operator advised officers of anomalies in the doors, seats and rear quarter panels of the vehicle.

Upon further examination, officers removed a total of 194 packages of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $600,000, from the dashboard, bumper, doors, seats, rocker panels, rear quarter panels and firewall of the vehicle.

The second smuggling attempt occurred about an hour later, when a K-9 alerted to the trunk area of a 2019 Toyota driven by a 33-year-old U.S. citizen waiting to make entry into the United States.

The driver and vehicle were escorted for further inspection. An X-ray scan of the vehicle revealed anomalies requiring further investigation. CBP officers seized a total of 57 packages of methamphetamine, weighing more than 200 pounds, from the gas tank, spare tire, quarter panels and floor of the vehicle.

CBP officers arrested both subjects and turned them over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations for further disposition.

CBP officers seized the vehicles and meth.