Indio Border Patrol Seizes $1.45 Million In Drugs

INDIO- U.S. Border Patrol Agents seized more than $1.45 million dollars worth of narcotics yesterday near Indio.

Agents tell News Channel 3 a black Dodge Charger entered the Highway 111 checkpoint for inspection, and was referred to the secondary inspection area.

During the secondary inspection, a Border Patrol canine team alerted to the center console of the vehicle resulting in a subsequent search that revealed 15 bundles of cocaine sealed in vacuum wrap weighing 37.5 pounds. The cocaine has an estimated value of $1.2 million dollars.

On the same day, Border Patrol agents performed a vehicle stop on Interstate 10 on a white Chrysler sport utility vehicle.

During a subsequent interview with a female U.S. citizen and vehicle search with consent, several packages containing marijuana were discovered in the cargo area. Thirteen bundles of marijuana with a weight of 315.3 pounds with an estimated value of more than $250,000 were seized.

“The diligence of the Indio station Border Patrol Agents exemplifies the commitment of the entire U.S. Border Patrol to ensure the security of the United States and reducing crime in our communities,” said El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Calhoon.

In both cases the drivers, passengers, vehicles and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.