2 Arrested On Suspicion Of Smuggling Man Hidden Inside Modified Fuel Tank Into US

SALTON CITY (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Thursday announced the arrest of two people who are accused of smuggling a man into the U.S. inside of a modified fuel tank.

Border Patrol agents encountered a 33-year-old male driver, a 24-year-old female passenger and their two children at the Highway 86 checkpoint around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to the El Centro Sector Border Patrol.

Agents explained the family traveled in a 1999 Toyota 4-Runner, and were all confirmed to be U.S. Citizens.

A Border Patrol K-9 officer alerted agents to the vehicle for further investigation, which subsequently led to the discovery of a 40-year-old Mexican man who was hidden underneath the back seat of the vehicle.

Authorities explained the man was stowed inside an empty, modified fuel tank with no means of escape with limited air flow. He will be prosecuted as "reentry of removed aliens."

The two U.S. citizens will be prosecuted for bringing in and harboring certain aliens.

According to agents, the children were released into the custody of a family member.

The vehicle was seized as a standard procedure, officials said.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.