Calexico, California - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico ports of entry over the weekend intercepted $335,000 worth of methamphetamine and heroin hidden in two vehicles.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, August 4, at about 6 p.m., at the Calexico West port of entry, when a CBP officer referred a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck driven by a 36-year-old male U.S. citizen for a more intensive inspection.

During the thorough inspection, officers screened the truck using the port’s imaging system and a canine team and detected anomalies in the four tires.  Officers searched the tires and discovered 24 wrapped packages of methamphetamine hidden inside metal canisters attached to all four wheels.  The weight of the narcotics was 132 pounds with a street value of approximately $211,000.

A few hours later, at about 9 p.m., an officer encountered two women, a 20-year-old and her passenger a 19-year-old, both U.S. citizens in a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder.  The officer referred the occupants and vehicle for a more in-depth examination.

Officers conducted an intensive examination that included the use of a canine team.  After the canine alerted to the vehicle’s undercarriage, officers ultimately discovered wrapped packages of heroin concealed within the transmission transfer case. Officers subsequently discovered five packages of heroin with a total weight of 17 pounds with an estimated street value of approximately $124,000.

The drivers were arrested for the alleged narcotics smuggling attempts and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing.

CBP seized all vehicles and narcotics.