Border Patrol finds meth-laced Mexican candy

Two suspected drug smugglers were arrested by Border Patrol agents Wednesday afternoon when authorities discovered packages of candy laced with methamphetamine in their pickup truck.

Agents said the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. at the Highway 86 checkpoint near the Salton Sea. A 48-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were traveling in a Nissan Frontier and a canine alerted agents to the rear cargo of the truck.

After inspecting the truck, agents discovered boxes of tamarind candy ‘Dulce de Tamarindo’ in the bed of the truck. Several of the boxes were inspected and they all tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the Border Patrol release.

“We don’t know where those candies were going, if they were planning to put them on the market, or what they were going to do, you just have to be really careful with what you buy and what you eat when there is candy and there is children involved,” said Eduardo Jacobo, public information officer with the US Border Patrol.

“What happens if one of these bags feel out and one of my kids grabbed it I mean they don’t think about that it’s just awful it’s bad news very bad news,” said Luis Sanchez of Morongo Valley.

The man and woman, both lawfully admitted permanent residents of the U.S., were taken into custody.

The DEA is still analyzing the narcotics to determine the total amount.

“These seizures and arrests demonstrate how effective our Border Patrol agents, canines, and checkpoints are in executing our duties to stop illicit drugs from entering our country,” said Indio Patrol Agent in Charge Scott Garrett. “Criminals continue to come up with creative ways to smuggle their narcotics and agents continue to do whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of them. Always serving, always protecting and always on duty, Border Patrol agents will continue to keep illegal drugs and criminals out of our communities.”

The Border Patrol seized more than 445 lbs. of methamphetamine in the last fiscal year, according to the release.

Currently a Senate bill has been introduced which would offer harsher sentences for anyone caught manufacturing, distributing, or selling candy laced with drugs.