Parents with Infant Arrested, $265,700 Meths Seized
Last updated 6/2/2016 at 12:55am
El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 86 checkpoint, arrested a couple traveling with their child, for suspected drug smuggling Mon, May.30.
Border Patrol agents initiated a vehicle stop of a 2006 Honda Civic approximately two miles south of the Highway 86 checkpoint.
The driver, a 23-year-old man, and his 22-year-old female passenger were traveling with their infant son.
Following an immigration search on the family, agents requested permission to conduct a canine sniff inspection of the car which resulted in a positive alert to the lower rear part of the vehicle.
The couple and their vehicle were taken to the checkpoint and a thorough search conducted. Agents found 19 packages of a white crystalline powder, later identified as methamphetamine, stuffed inside the rocker panels of the Honda Civic.
“This seizure shows the depths individuals and criminal organizations are willing to go to conduct their illicit activities,” said Marc A. Lieberman Acting Patrol Agent in Charge of the Indio Station. “It is also a testament to the great work performed by Border Patrol agents who diligently safeguard our communities from the dangers these drugs pose.
The methamphetamine had a combined weight of 26.57 pounds with an estimated street value of $265,700.
The couple, both United States citizens, and the infant, were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Child Protection Agency subsequently took custody of the infant. The vehicle and drugs were also turned over to the DEA for further investigation.
