Calexico, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico downtown port of entry today discovered approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine concealed inside hidden compartments built into two vehicle batteries.
The incident occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m., when a canine team screening vehicles alerted to a trailer being towed by a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado as the driver waited in line for inspection. Both the vehicle and driver were escorted to a secure area for a more in-depth examination.
While conducting an intensive inspection, officers discovered wrapped packages of methamphetamine hidden inside a battery stored in a tool box located on the trailer that was in tow. Officers also discovered a specially built compartment in the vehicle’s battery. A total of four packages were discovered.
The estimated value of the methamphetamine was $157,000.
The driver, a 38-year-old male Mexican citizen and resident of Mexicali, Baja California, was arrested for suspected narcotics smuggling and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further processing. CBP seized the vehicle and narcotics.
The man was later transported to the Imperial County Jail to await arraignment.
I am all for the legalization of marijuana but this meth stuff is poison! In my opinion there is a big difference between marijuana and meth. The stigma on pot is it gets lumped in with dangerous drugs, active drugs and I feel pot in nothing like these dangerous, poisonous drugs at all. Alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana in my opinion.