Man hides 35 lbs. of narcotics in gas tank

A man was arrested on Thursday after Border Patrol agents found heroin and methamphetamine concealed in the gas tank of his car.

The 24 year old suspect was driving a Nissan Sentra when he was stopped at about 8 a.m. near Highway 98 and Coyote Number 1 Road, according to a release from the El Centro Sector Border Patrol.

A K-9 led agents to the gas tank of the car where they found 20 vacuum sealed packages of meth and heroin hidden inside. Officials said the drugs weighed 35.34 lbs. and are estimated to cost $288,780.

The suspect, a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody by a task force from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

Man busted with 35 lbs. of meth & heroin/ap/p/