Border Patrol finds heroin in man’s shoes

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen suspected of drug smuggling was arrested by Border Patrol agents at the Highway 86 checkpoint on Wednesday after agents discovered heroin hidden in his shoes.

The incident happened around 4:30 p.m.

Agents said the man was a passenger on a commercial bus and the discovery was made during an immigration inspection. The suspect was apparently acting nervous and after agents patted him down, they found two packages of heroin hidden inside his shoes.

According to the release, the heroin weighed a total of 1.25 lbs. and is estimated to be worth about $15,000 on the street.

“The agents of the El Centro Sector Border Patrol play a vital role in our agencies efforts to safeguard our nation’s borders. Their vigilance and ability to adapt to the ever changing tactics used by criminal organizations is truly amazing,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Roy Villareal.

The suspect and the heroin were turned over to the D.E.A. for further investigation.

Agents said in the last fiscal year, El Centro Sector Border Patrol has seized more than 186 lbs. of heroin.