January 29, 10

NEWS / Border Patrol Seizes $1.7 Million in Cocaine at California Checkpoint

Calexico, Calif. – Yesterday morning, Calexico agents conducting checkpoint operations at the Interstate 8 checkpoint east of Calexico seized more than 53 pounds of cocaine concealed within a sport-utility vehicle.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., agents encountered a blue sport-utility vehicle at the primary inspection area of the checkpoint. During the inspection, a U.S. Border Patrol canine team alerted agents to the possible presence of illegal contraband within the vehicle.


The driver and vehicle were escorted to a secondary inspection area where agents discovered 19 tightly wrapped packages concealed underneath the passenger side door frame. The packages contained cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $1.7 million.


The driver, contraband and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/local/01282010_4.xml