CBP Border Patrol Seizes 174 Pounds of Marijuana

Border Patrol K-9 team, National Guard find marijuana at Highway 86 checkpoint

Indio, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents seized 174 pounds of marijuana worth $139,200 in two separate incidents.

In both cases, a mobile X-ray machine, operated by National Guard troops, assisted the agents in locating the narcotics.

On July 11, a 1997 Chevrolet Venture minivan drove into the Border Patrol checkpoint near Indio, Calif., underwent an initial inspection and was referred to the secondary inspection area after a CBP Border Patrol K-9 unit alerted to the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, the canine team focused on an area below the floor panel. California National Guard troops operated a mobile X-ray and were able to locate the contraband. As a result of the search, a total of 24 packages of marijuana were found under the second row of seats. A total of 80 pounds of marijuana was seized, valued at $64,000.