$272,000 in meth discovered near Salton Sea

Border Patrol agents seized 8.5 pounds of methamphetamine last Friday after asuspectednarcotics smuggler was caught traveling through the Highway 86 checkpoint between Westmorland and Salton City.

At about 2:40 p.m. on June 21, the 22-year-old suspect was approaching the checkpoint when a canine unit alerted agents to search her car, a 1999 Chrysler Cirrus.

During the search, agents discovered 16 packages of methamphetamine hidden in the back seat of the car.The methamphetamine had a combined weight of 8.5 pounds and an estimated street value of more than $272,000.

The driver, a United States citizen, was taken into custody. The woman, vehicle, and contraband were turned over to the DEA for further investigation.

All information according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Public Affairs Office.