Melanie Brandt and her son Christopher were arrested on March 23 after alleged attempts to smuggle more than 14 pounds of heroin and meth into the U.S. through a south Texas port of entry. According to a criminal complaint obtained by Breitbart Texas, the drugs were found inside a spare tire.
The complaint states that Christopher attempted to drive a 2012 silver Chevrolet through a port of entry in Hildago, Texas. U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBP) officers took x-rays of the vehicle, which indicated that there were substances in the spare tire. Roughly nine pounds of meth and five pounds of heroin were ultimately recovered from the tire by officers, according to court documents.
Melanie was simultaneously traveling into the U.S. through a pedestrian lane. She successfully entered the country, but became worried when her son got held up, according to reports. Officers detained her for questioning after she returned to the inspection area to inquire about Christopher.
Melanie and Christopher both told officers that they knew about the illegal substances hidden in the car’s spare tire and were set to receive $4,000-$5,000 for bringing the drugs into the country, according to the complaint. The mother claimed that instead of driving with her son, she walked into the U.S. through the pedestrian lane in order to avoid detection.
Brandt Complaint by BreitbartTexas
Follow Kristin Tate on Twitter @KristinBTate
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