CBP Officers at Andrade Port Seize Cocaine, Heroin, and Methamphetamine

Winterhaven, Calif. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Andrade port of entry arrested a male Mexican citizen on August 26, after discovering more than $700,000 worth of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle he was driving. The incident occurred at about 11:45 a.m., when CBP officers screening vehicles targeted a silver 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport for inspection. During the inspection, anomalies were detected on the rear floor and both driver and vehicle were referred for an intensive examination. CBP officers and a canine team searched the vehicle and discovered 23 wrapped packages of narcotics co-mingled inside a custom-built compartment in the rear floor area. The combined weight of the drugs was 58 pounds with a street value of approximately $759,000. The driver, a 59-year-old permanent resident of San Miguel, California, was turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations agents for investigation. The subject was later transported to the Imperial County Jail where he was arraigned. CBP placed an immigration hold on the driver to initiate removal from the United States at the conclusion of his criminal proceedings. CBP seized both the vehicle and narcotics.