U.S. Border Patrol Confiscates Cocaine, Crystal Meth Hidden in Engine Firewall

San Diego — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a 55-year-old male naturalized United States citizen yesterday near San Clemente, Calif. for smuggling more than 15 pounds of cocaine and nearly three pounds of crystal methamphetamine in a black 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

At approximately 2:15 p.m., agents on patrol near the I-5 Border Patrol checkpoint conducted a vehicle stop on the pickup truck. During the stop, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor.

A Border Patrol K-9 team was summoned and performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle which resulted in a positive alert to the vehicle’s dashboard.

Agents searched the vehicle and discovered 10 cellophane-wrapped bundles concealed behind the firewall of the engine compartment. Eight bundles contained a total of 15.65 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $156,500. Two bundles contained a total of 2.87 pounds of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $51,660.

The suspected drug smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

To prevent 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.

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.