3 meth smuggling attempts blocked by Border Patrol

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents prevented three methamphetamine smuggling attempts over the weekend at the Highway 86 checkpoint and the Highway 111 checkpoint.

Officials said the first bust happened Friday at 11:25 p.m. when a 19-year-old man was stopped at the Highway 86 checkpoint in a Nissan Sentra. Agents found 14 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the rear quarter panels and bumper of the car after a canine alerted them to the vehicle.

A 32-year-old man was stopped in the second incident, which revealed 11 bundles of meth concealed in the gas tank of his Hyundai Elantra.

The third meth bust occurred at about 9:20 p.m. Sunday. A 24-year-old was stopped at the Highway 111 checkpoint in a Chevy Cruz and Border Patrol agents found 12 bundles of meth hidden in a duffle bag in the truck of the car. Agents made the discover after a canine once again alerted them to the suspect’s car, according to the release.

The methamphetamine from these three seizures had a combined weight of 45.05 pounds with an estimated street value of $450,500, agents said.

All three of the men busted by Border Patrol agents are United States citizens. They were all turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency for further investigation.

El Centro Sector Border Patrol seized more than 445 lbs. of methamphetamine in fiscal year 2014.