30 undocumented immigrants smuggled in refrigerated trailer

U.S. Border Patrol agents with the Indio Station had a busy weekend at the Highway 86 checkpoint; discovering 30 undocumented immigrants hidden and locked in the refrigerated trailer of a semi truck, and busting two men with methamphetamine in separate incidents.

The meth that was seized weighed 62.4 lbs. and was estimated to be worth $624,000, agents said in the release.

The undocumented immigrants were found Sunday at about 7 p.m. when agents stopped a 1999 Freightliner tractor-trailer near the checkpoint. The driver had one passenger up front, and agents said he gave the okay to search his truck.

Agents found the undocumented immigrants locked in the refrigerated trailer. The driver is a 60-year-old man from the United States. He’s being held by Border Patrol while he awaits prosecution for alien smuggling, agents said in the release.

The two separate meth busts occurred on Saturday and Sunday at the Highway 86 checkpoint. One involved a Mexican citizen and the other involved a U.S. citizen. Both men were turned over to the DEA as the investigation continues.

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David Kim pointed out, “The diversity in how each of these three events played out shows that there is no single profile or stereotype of a smuggler or how criminal activity is carried out.”