SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - National Guard troops have not been at the border for too long, but are already making their presence felt.
Border Patrol officers last week arrested a 31-year-old woman on Interstate 15 they say was transporting 51 bundles of methamphetamine in her vehicle.
The woman's vehicle was transported to a Border Patrol facility where agents continued searching the vehicle with the help of National Guardsman who have recently been deployed to the border.
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During the secondary search, agents initially did not locate any additional narcotics, officials said. Eventually, a National Guardsman found another 11 bundles of meth hidden deep within a door panel.
In all, border agents discovered more than 68 pounds of meth valued at $206,000.
"Although the California National Guardsman have been on duty for only a couple of weeks, they have quickly fit in and are a great asset in assisting the Border Patrol to protect our communities," San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott said.
The woman has been turned over to Riverside County law enforcement and faces narcotics smuggling charges.
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This month, 24 National Guard troops were deployed to San Diego ports of entry in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, and Calexico.
The troops will not be armed or taking part in any immigration enforcement activities, according to CBP, instead, helping in support operations.
Border officials expect another 106 additional troops at the ports of entry in the coming weeks.
