TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Nogales Station arrested three United States citizens for smuggling methamphetamine and other controlled substances at the I-19 checkpoint on June 6.
Agents referred the vehicle for a secondary inspection after a canine team alerted to the vehicle during an immigration inspection. Agents searched the driver and two passengers of the vehicle during the secondary inspection.
Agents observed suspicious bundles in the male passenger’s socks and discovered additional bundles concealed on his body after an additional search. The bundles were found to contain methamphetamine after closer inspection.
A search of the female passenger revealed a mixture of drugs concealed under her clothing. She was carrying a package containing marijuana, cyclobenzaprine, methamphetamine and amitriptyline.
Agents seized more than five pounds of contraband with an estimated value of more than $15,000. Both passengers and the driver of the vehicle have been submitted for prosecution for narcotics smuggling.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.