U.S. CBP Border Patrol Agents Intercept more than $3.5 Million of Marijuana at Interstate 15 Checkpoint

Temecula, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 15 checkpoint thwarted a narcotics smuggling attempt yesterday resulting in the seizure of more than 7,000 pounds of marijuana.

On Monday at approximately 9:30 p.m., agents encountered a 43-year-old male United States citizen driving a white 2003 Freightliner tractor-trailer as he arrived to the checkpoint. During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection.

A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection resulting in a positive alert to the trailer. Agents searched the trailer and discovered 300 bundles of marijuana with a total weight of 7,328.17 pounds. The marijuana had an estimated street value of $3,664,085. 

The suspected smuggler and marijuana were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which was working with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, for further investigation. The truck used in the smuggling attempt 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. 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.