INDIO, Calif., Jan. 12 (UPI) — Border Patrol agents in California discovered a pickup truck’s spare tire was filled with more than air — it contained more than 70 pounds of cocaine and meth.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said agents from the El Centro Sector Border Patrol’s Indio Station were working the Highway 86 checkpoint about 7:17 p.m. Tuesday when a drug-sniffing dog indicated the presence of narcotics in a white 2012 Chevrolet Silverado.
The agents searched the vehicle and discovered its spare tire contained 12 packages containing a total 72.6 pounds of drugs — 67.2 pounds of cocaine and 5.4 pounds of methamphetamine.
“Our K-9 agents play a vital role in the safeguarding of our communities by preventing dangerous drugs from reaching our city streets,” Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim said.
Customs said the cocaine had an estimated street value of $806,400, and the meth had an estimated street value of $21,600.
The driver, a male U.S. citizen, and the passenger, a female Mexican citizen, were arrested and turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.