Young woman suspected of smuggling 31 lbs. of meth

A 21-year-old woman from the United States is suspected of attempting to smuggle 31 pounds of methamphetamine on Monday afternoon.

Border Patrol agents from the Indio station stopped her at the Highway 86 checkpoint at about 4:30 p.m. as she was driving a Toyota Corolla. A secondary inspection was issued after a Border Patrol canine alerted agents to her car, authorities said in the release.

After a thorough search, agents said they found 16 bundles of methamphetamine stuffed inside the car’s rocker panels. The meth had a combined weight of 31 pounds with an estimated street value of $310,000.

“This seizure denies Transnational Criminal Organizations the money needed to continue their illicit activities,” said Acting Patrol Agent in Charge Marc Lieberman of the Indio Station. “This also highlights the great work accomplished daily by the agents of the Indio Station.”

The woman was handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration as the investigation is ongoing.