California Border Patrol Seizes Record Amount of Pot at Checkpoint
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. Border Patrol agents have found 14 tons of marijuana valued at more than $22.6 million from a tractor-trailer Wednesday night during a routine search at a checkpoint.
The seizure was the largest ever at the border checkpoint in El Centro, Calif., east of San Diego.
In total, agents uncovered over 1100 bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 28,300 pounds.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}El Centro Sector's Chief Patrol Agent, Jeffrey A. Calhoon stated, "I am proud of the effort our men and women put forth each day at our checkpoints to stem the flow of drugs into the country and maintain the course of legitimate commerce and travel. Keeping illegal narcotics out of our nation not only denies transnational criminal organizations revenue that supports their operations, but also keeps our communities safer."
The driver of the vehicle, a 35-year-old male, was placed under arrest and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the marijuana and tractor-trailer.
Newscore contributed to this report.