CBP U.S. Border Patrol Intercepts $742,000 in Drugs

San Diego, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents recovered more than 400 pounds of illicit drugs in three separate incidents over the past three days.

Late Sunday afternoon, Border Patrol agents arrested an 18-year-old female U.S. citizen for attempting to smuggle more than five pounds of methamphetamine in Temecula, Calif. Agents conducted a vehicle stop on a red Pontiac near Deer Springs Road. The female driver’s nervous demeanor and inconsistent responses led a Border Patrol K-9 team to perform a cursory inspection of the vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert. Inside the female’s purse, agents discovered a total of four bundles of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $116,800.

Early Monday morning, agents arrested a 48-year-old male U.S. citizen attempting to smuggle more than 21 pounds of crystal methamphetamine at the Interstate 8 checkpoint near Pine Valley, Calif. The man’s nervous demeanor prompted agents to refer him for secondary inspection. A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle, resulting in a positive alert to the rear of the vehicle. Agents subsequently removed 18 small packages of crystal methamphetamine from inside the gas tank valued at more than $393,000. 

Earlier this morning, Border Patrol agents and California National Guardsmen working near the U.S./Mexico border in Campo, Calif. observed six individuals carrying large duffle bags. Border Patrol agents intercepted the men, later identified as Mexican nationals, and discovered a total of 15 bundles of marijuana. The marijuana had a combined weight of 387.13 pounds with a street value of over $232,000.

All eight individuals and the illicit drugs were taken into custody and were subsequently turned over to a multi-agency, drug task force.

To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance along the border and also on major corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.