U.S. Border Patrol Agents Confiscate $1 Million in Meth at the Interstate 15 Checkpoint

Temecula, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to patrol duties along Interstate 15 intercepted two smuggling attempts this week that resulted in the seizure of 51.25 pounds of methamphetamine worth an estimated $1 million.

At approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday, agents stopped a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by a 40-year-old male U.S citizen at the I-15 checkpoint. Agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and summoned a Border Patrol K-9 team to perform a cursory inspection of the vehicle. The canine team alerted to the vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search revealed 31 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the rear quarter panels. The seized narcotics weighed more than 38 pounds with an estimated street value of $762,800.

A second seizure occurred yesterday at approximately 2:15 p.m. when agents assigned to the I-15 checkpoint stopped a 1998 Jeep Cherokee towing a 2001 Toyota Solara on a trailer. The 31-year-old male Mexican national driver was referred for a secondary inspection. Agents summoned a Border Patrol K-9 team to perform a cursory inspection of the vehicles. The canine team alerted to one of the vehicles. A subsequent search of the vehicles revealed 25 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the gas tank of the towed vehicle. The narcotics seizure weighed more than 13 pounds with an estimated street value of $262,200.

In both instances, the suspected smugglers and narcotics were taken into custody and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The vehicles and trailer were 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. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

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.