Yuma, Arizona - Wellton Station Border Patrol agents arrested two U.S. citizens as they attempted to smuggle almost 55 pounds of methamphetamine around the Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint early Friday.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., agents assigned to operations in Dome Valley performed an immigration stop on a blue Chevrolet Silverado occupied by two men. A Border Patrol canine subsequently alerted to an odor it was trained to detect emitting from the vehicle. A thorough search of the vehicle yielded 24 packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the spare tire. The narcotics had a combined weight of 54.7 pounds and an approximate street value of $164,288.

The 20-year-old driver and 18-year-old passenger, both from Yuma, were arrested for the transportation of a controlled substance.

Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.