Suspected drug smuggler busted with family in SUV

A 25-year-old man was taken into custody by Border Patrol agents Saturday morning at the Highway 86 checkpoint after a canine team detected nearly 26 lbs. of methamphetamine stuffed inside the firewall of an SUV.

According to agents with the Indio Station, the suspected drug smuggler was traveling with his 24-year-old girlfriend and their two children; all citizens of Mexico.

While inspecting the SUV at about 10 a.m., agents said they found 20 packages of methamphetamine that weighed 25.90 lbs. The meth has an estimated street value of more than $259,000, according to the Border Patrol.

The man and narcotics are now in the custody of the DEA, which is handling the investigation.

Agents said the woman and her two children were returned to Mexico and the woman’s temporary visitor Visa was revoked.

In the last fiscal year, agents with El Centro Sector Border Patrol have seized more than 445 lbs. of methamphetamine, according to the release.