Salton City, California - El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a man suspected of smuggling drugs inside a vehicle’s fuel tank Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred on June 13, just before 6 a.m., when a black Chevrolet pick-up truck approached the primary inspection area of the Highway 86 Checkpoint.

At primary inspection, a Border Patrol agent referred the driver to secondary for further inspection.  In secondary, a canine detection team alerted to the bed of the truck.

After a search of the vehicle, agents discovered 35 wrapped bundles hidden inside the vehicle’s fuel tank.

The packages were tested and proved positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine.

The total weight of the methamphetamine was 56 pounds with an estimated value of $184,800.

The man, later identified as a United States citizen, was transported to the station for further processing.

“This seizure highlights the tireless efforts our Border Patrol Agents demonstrate in keeping these dangerous drugs out of our community,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim.

The man, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

In fiscal year 2018, El Centro Sector has seized more than 651.18 pounds of methamphetamine.