Hidden cocaine seized at Border Patrol checkpoint

Yuma Sector agents assigned to the Blythe Station seized nearly $900,000 worth of cocaine at the checkpoint on Highway 78 near Palo Verde, Calif., Tuesday morning.

Agent Shaun Kuzia said that at about 6:30 a.m., a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville drove up to the checkpoint's primary inspection area.

During primary inspection, Kuzia said, a Border Patrol canine team alerted to the area near the passenger window, indicating the likely presence of narcotics or people hidden inside the vehicle.

Agents then referred the Bonneville for secondary inspection where they noticed that the passenger side airbag compartment had been tampered with. Agents opened the compartment and discovered 10 plastic-wrapped packages of cocaine hidden inside.

Kuzia said the cocaine weighed a total of 27 pounds and had an estimated street value of $871,000. Border Patrol agents arrested the driver, a 23-year old lawfully admitted permanent resident.

He was later turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and narcotics.

Since Oct. 1, Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than $10 million of cocaine. To report suspicious activity, contact the Yuma Sector Border Patrol's toll-free telephone number at 1-866-999-8727.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.

Yuma Sector agents assigned to the Blythe Station seized nearly $900,000 worth of cocaine at the checkpoint on Highway 78 found hidden in a a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville after a canine team alerted to the vehicle, indicating the likely presence of narcotics or people hidden inside the car.