INDIO, Calif. — Border Patrol agents from the U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector apprehended a Mexican national suspected of smuggling cocaine on Monday afternoon.
On May 13, at 2:50 p.m., a white sedan approached the U.S. Border Patrol Highway 86 immigration checkpoint. During the primary inspection, a canine detection team alerted agents to the presence of possible concealed people or narcotics. The vehicle was directed to the secondary inspection area for further investigation.
During the secondary inspection, the driver admitted to having marijuana and a firearm in his backpack. A search of the backpack confirmed his claims. After removing the bag from the vehicle, the canine team conducted a second sweep and alerted agents to the vehicle’s floorboards, which appeared tampered with. A search of the floorboards revealed an aftermarket compartment containing 25 packages wrapped in brown paper consistent with illegal narcotics packaging. A sample from one of the packages tested positive for cocaine. In total, 67 pounds of cocaine were seized from the vehicle.
The driver, along with the firearm and narcotics, was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further processing and investigation.
“Cocaine, firearms, and foreign smugglers are all elements in the El Centro Sector’s mission to prevent harmful individuals and substances from endangering the citizens of our exceptional Nation,” stated El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino. “I commend the Indio Station agents for identifying this suspected smuggler among the thousands of travelers passing through the checkpoint daily. This is a very impressive arrest.”
These seizures are part of Operation Apollo, a comprehensive counter-fentanyl initiative that began on October 26, 2023, in southern California and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo focuses on intelligence collection and partnerships, utilizing local CBP field assets and collaborating with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to enhance resources, increase cooperation, and target fentanyl smuggling into the United States.–Edited by NA