Border Patrol Agents in Southern California Prevent Cocaine and Methamphetamine Smuggling
- Details
- Created on Thursday, 27 September 2012 12:05
- Written by Border Scope
Pine Valley, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 8 checkpoint intercepted two smuggling attempts resulting in the seizure of nearly $300,000 of cocaine and methamphetamine.
Yesterday, at approximately 11:40 a.m., agents encountered a 25-year-old female United States citizen driving a 1997 Ford F-250, as she arrived at the checkpoint. During inspection, agents became suspicious of the woman’s nervous demeanor and referred her for a secondary inspection. A Border Patrol K-9 performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in an alert to the rear tires. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered non-factory compartments within the rear brake drums containing a total of eight bundles of methamphetamine. The narcotics weighed 8.71 pounds and had an estimated street value of $174,200.
Last Friday, at about 2:50 p.m., agents at the checkpoint stopped a 31-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a 1993 Chevrolet C-1500. The driver and his 31-year-old male U.S. citizen passenger exhibited nervous demeanors and were referred for a secondary inspection. A Border Patrol K-9 performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in an alert. Agents subsequently discovered one bundle of cocaine within the engine manifold. The narcotics weighed 10.85 pounds and had an estimated street value of $119,350.
The three suspected smugglers and the narcotics from both incidents were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The vehicles used in both events were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.