DESERT HAVEN, Texas – United States Border Patrol agents seize fentanyl, arrest driver on suspicion of intent to distribute a controlled substance and foil an attempted alien smuggling scheme.

On March 27, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint located on Highway 62/180 in Desert Haven, Texas, inspected a black Nissan Altima bearing New Mexico plates. Agents questioned the driver and passengers regarding their nationality. Agents conducted a thorough search of the vehicle after noting nervous behavior and inconsistent responses during the interview.

At secondary inspection, a Border Patrol canine alerted to an odor in the front passenger door, where a red bag was located. Agents searched the bag and discovered 247 tablets of fentanyl in addition to a scale and small plastic bags.

Agents arrested the driver, 29 year-old U.S. citizen Briana Carrasco. The Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the driver and narcotics.

In a separate incident, on March 28, 2020, U.S. Border Patrol Agents at the Highway 185 checkpoint, inspected a black Honda Accord with five passengers. Agents identified the driver and two passengers as U.S. Citizens. The other two were from Ecuador with no legal status to be in the U.S. All vehicle passengers were taken into custody and transported to the Las Cruces Border Patrol Station for further processing.

“U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoints are a vital component of our Defense in Depth border security strategy. Without that secondary line of defense Criminal Organizations will further exploit opportunities to smuggle people and narcotics into our communities,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509 toll-free.

It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered evidence of guilt, and subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @USBPChiefEPT and @CBPWestTexas.