Andrade, Calif. — U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Andrade port of entry prevented almost 18 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of almost $200,000 from entering the U.S. on Oct. 14.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., a blue 1999 Honda Odyssey, driven by a 32-year-old woman who is a U. S. citizen and resident of Blythe, Calif., applied for admission to the U.S. The vehicle was referred for a secondary inspection after the woman displayed suspicious behavior. During the secondary inspection, a narcotic detector dog gave a positive alert to the outside of the van near the driver’s door and the third row seat inside the van.
During a more intensive inspection and search of the vehicle, a non-factory compartment was discovered under the third row seat concealing nine cellophane wrapped packages containing 17.86 pounds of methamphetamine.
“Just because Andrade is considered a small port of entry, it will not be an easy target for smugglers to use,” said Andrade Port Director Ray Nagy. “Our CBP officers remain vigilant and committed to stopping attempts such as this with unwavering dedication.”
The driver was placed under arrest and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for prosecution and the drugs and van were seized by CBP.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
