TUCSON – Nogales Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 19 immigration checkpoint arrested an 18-year-old U.S. citizen from Nogales, Arizona, after finding more than 59 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in his vehicle.
Agents referred the teen, driving a Nissan Altima for a secondary inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to an odor it was trained to detect. Inside the vehicle, agents found 50 packages of methamphetamine valued in excess of $150,000.
Agents arrested the teen for narcotics smuggling and seized the drugs and vehicle; which were then turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.
Visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBP Arizona
