Border Patrol agents discover 450 pounds of liquid methamphetamine in fuel tank
Release Date Thu, 07/18/2024
INDIO, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a 31-year-old male Mexican citizen suspected of smuggling 450 pounds of methamphetamine. The total value of the drugs seized is estimated to be $540,000.
El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents seized 450 pounds of liquid methamphetamine that was hidden in the fuel tanks of a tractor trailer.
On July 8, at approximately 2 p.m., agents stopped an orange Freightliner semitruck traveling northbound on Highway 86 near Coachella. A Border Patrol K-9 team trained to detect concealed people and illegal drugs alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. After the semitruck and driver were transported to the Indio Border Patrol Station, a more thorough inspection was conducted. Agents tested the liquid in the fuel tanks and confirmed the presence of methamphetamine.
“I tend to think large shipments of methamphetamine such as this pose a risk to Americans on several levels, including increases in crime and decreases in health and safety,” said El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino. “Agents in the Premier Sector will continue to take the fight to smugglers of all types with one goal in mind: winning on behalf of the taxpayer.”
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-agents-discover-450-pounds-liquid-methamphetamine-fuel