CBP officers seize meth at Andrade port

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Andrade port of entry made two significant methamphetamine seizures this weekend and arrested a U.S. citizen from Yuma.

According to information contained in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release, the first seizure occurred on Friday, June 28, at approximately 6:15 p.m., when a 26-year-old female U.S. citizen who was driving a silver 2009 Volkswagen Routan attempted to pass through the port’s vehicle lanes.

While sniffing outside the Routan, a canine team alerted to the vehicle. Officers then referred both the driver and vehicle to secondary inspection.

During that secondary inspection, officers uncovered 95 wrapped packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the quarter panel, dashboard, spare tire and doors. The total weight of the narcotics was 108 pounds and they had an estimated street value of $172,800.

The driver, a resident of Yuma, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.

The other seizure happened on Sunday, June 30, at approximately 2 p.m., when an officer referred a 30-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a gold Toyota Camry for a more in-depth inspection.

During the intensive inspection, officers utilized a canine team and discovered 55 wrapped packages of methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle’s doors. The total weight of the narcotic was 56 pounds with a street value of approximately $90,144.

The driver, a resident of Mesa, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.

Both drivers were turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for further processing and were transported to the Imperial County Jail where they currently await arraignment. CBP seized the narcotics and both vehicles.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.