Man Found With 56 Pounds Of Meth Off Of Highway 86: Agents Say

SALTON CITY, CA– Border Patrol agents said they found a man with 56 pounds of methamphetamine Wednesday morning. The incident happened just before 6 a.m. at the primary inspection area of Highway 86, according to the Border Patrol.

The man who drove a black Chevrolet pick-up truck was sent to a secondary inspection after a canine detection team alerted authorities to the bed of the truck.

After a search of the vehicle, agents discovered 35 wrapped bundles hidden inside the vehicle’s fuel tank. The packages were tested and proved positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine, officials said.

The man, later identified as a United States citizen, was transported to the station for further processing.

“This seizure highlights the tireless efforts our Border Patrol agents demonstrate in keeping these dangerous drugs out of our community,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim.

The man, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

In fiscal year 2018, El Centro Sector has seized more than 651.18 pounds of methamphetamine.

--Photos courtesy of Border Patrol