2 arrested after Border Patrol finds over 20 lbs. of cocaine

Suspected drug smugglers were taken into custody Wednesday afternoon at the Highway 86 checkpoint near Salton City when Border Patrol agents discovered over 20 lbs. of cocaine hidden in their Jeep.

A 21-year-old man and 48-year-old woman were traveling in a 2007 Jeep Commander when they were stopped around 12:15 p.m., according to a release.

Agents said a K9 alerted them to the Jeep so they inspected the vehicle.

They discovered a hidden aftermarket compartment in the frame of the Jeep that was holding 18 individually wrapped packages of cocaine. Agents said the cocaine weighed a total of 20.96 lbs.

The narcotics are estimated to be worth $209,600.

Agents said the two suspects are Mexican nationals. The D.E.A. is handling the investigation.