Border Patrol finds 25 lbs. of meth hidden in man’s car

The Drug Enforcement Agency is investigating after a man was busted by Border Patrol agents on Sunday, accused of trying to smuggle just over 25 pounds of methamphetamine through the Highway 86 checkpoint.

According to agents with the Indio Station, the 26-year-old man from Mexico was stopped for a secondary inspection at the checkpoint after a K9 alerted agents to his Chevrolet Malibu at about 2:30 p.m.

The K9 pointed agents to the rocker panels of the car, where a search revealed 20 plastic-wrapped bundles which tested positive for methamphetamine. The narcotics weighed 25.02 pounds. Authorities estimate the street value of the drugs to be $80,064.

“This seizure not only denies Transnational Criminal Organizations the money and resources needed to continue their illicit activities but also helps keep our communities safe,” said David S. Kim, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent.

The man, car and narcotics were turned over to the D.E.A. for further investigation.

El Centro Sector Border Patrol has seized more than 84.03 pounds of methamphetamine in fiscal year 2017, according to a news release.