CALEXICO, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico West port of entry Monday seized methamphetamine from a vehicle with toddler.
The incident occurred on Sept. 24, at about 9:50 p.m. when CBP officers encountered a 18-year-old female U.S. citizen driver and her two-year-old son in a Nissan Versa. During the inspection, the officer decided to refer occupants and vehicle for further inspection.
Officers conducted an intensive inspection using the port’s imaging system and a canine team to search the vehicle. During their inspection, officers found 33 wrapped packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the fuel tank and quarter panels. The weight of the narcotic was 58 pounds with a street value of approximately $145,000.
“Whenever we deter a vehicle with illegal contraband from entering the country and a baby is a passenger, it’s heartbreaking,” said Calexico Area Port Director David Salazar. “Most people know one of our missions is to stop illegal narcotics. They do not always see the humanistic impacts of these events.”
The driver, a resident of Los Angeles, was arrested and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing. She was later transported to the Imperial County Jail where she currently awaits arraignment.
CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle.
