Woman, 81, found with $870K of heroin in car at U.S.-Mexico border
92 pounds of heroin found in rocker panel at Tecate port of entry (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
TECATE, Calif. (FOX 26) - Authorities say an 81-year-old woman was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border after $870,000 worth of heroin was found in the car she was driving.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the woman was crossing into the U.S. at the Tecate border crossing in California on Wednesday when a detector dog alerted to the driver side rocker panel of her vehicle.
Upon further inspection, officials say 34 wrapped packages of heroin were found in the door panel. CBP estimates the 92 pounds of heroin carry a street value of more than $870,000.
The woman, an American citizen, was arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations agents.
“The cartels will try and manipulate anyone to smuggle their narcotics through the ports of entry,” said San Diego CBP Director of Field Operations Pete Flores. “CBP officers are aware of the many tactics used by the cartels and remain ever vigilant to stop anyone attempting to smuggle narcotics.”