$164K in meth found hidden in vehicle panels and doors at Highway 86 checkpoint

Border Patrol agents found approximately $164,500 worth of methamphetamine Thursday night at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint.

According to El Centro Sector Border Patrol, a 24-year-old woman driving a black Nissan Altima arrived at the checkpoint at approximately 9:20 p.m. The vehicle was sent to secondary inspection for further investigation.

While at secondary inspection, a Border Patrol K-9 detection team alerted agents to the vehicle. Agents were able to find several packages concealed within the rear quarter panels and doors of the vehicle.

Agents said they were able to determine the packages contained a substance that was consistent with the characteristics of meth.

The total weight of the meth found in the vehicle was 82 pounds.

The woman, a United States citizen, the narcotics and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).