CBP Andrade Intercepts over Half Million Dollars in Cocaine
(Tuesday, September 20, 2011)



Andrade, CA– U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Andrade port of entry seized over $500,000 in cocaine on September 19, and arrested one person in connection with the failed smuggling attempt

The incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m., when a 31-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a white 1996 Chevy pick-up truck was referred to the secondary inspection area for further examination.

The secondary examination included a canine screening and use of a density meter device which led CBP officers to the discovery of 24 wrapped packages of cocaine concealed inside a non-factory compartment in the bed area of the truck. The weight of the narcotic was 57 pounds which has an estimated value of more than $500.000. CBP seized both the narcotic and vehicle.

The driver, a resident of Heber, California, was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations for further processing. The driver was then transported to the Imperial County Jail where he will await arraignment.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.