Border Patrol seizes meth at checkpoint

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested two suspected drug smugglers in two separate incidents on Thursday.

A total of 7.29 pounds of narcotics was seized in the two incidents, a Customs and Border Protection news release stated.

The first incident occurred about 11:45 a.m., when a 56-year-old man driving a black 2012 Chevrolet Impala approached the checkpoint.

A K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle in the primary inspection lane. Agents directed the vehicle to the secondary inspection area, where they reported discovering six packages inside of a backpack that was in the back seat of the vehicle.

Agents determined the packages contained a substance consistent with the characteristics of methamphetamine.

The total weight of the meth discovered was approximately 5.16 pounds, with an estimated value of $9,804.

The man, who is a U.S. citizen, along with the drugs and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The second incident occurred approximately 11:45 p.m., when a 48-year-old woman driving a 2000 Honda Accord approached the checkpoint.

A K-9 detection team alerted to the vehicle in the primary inspection lane.

Agents directed the vehicle to enter the secondary inspection, where they reported discovering two packages concealed inside the spare tire of the vehicle.

Agents determined that the packages contained a substance that was consistent with the characteristics of meth.

The total weight of the meth was approximately 2.13 pounds, with an estimated value of $4,000.

The woman, who is a U.S. citizen, along with the drugs and vehicle were turned over to the DEA.