U.S. Border Patrol Agents Arrest Suspected Drug Smuggler with Outstanding Warrant

Pine Valley, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 8 checkpoint thwarted a narcotics smuggling attempt Friday resulting in the seizure of more than 27 pounds of narcotics.

At approximately 5:25 p.m., agents encountered the 25-year-old female United States citizen driver of a black 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt as she arrived to 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 interior. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered nine bundles of cocaine and two bundles of methamphetamine behind the passenger-side, rear-quarter panel. The cocaine weighed 24.25 pounds and had an estimated street value of $242,500 and the methamphetamine weighed 3.09 pounds and had an estimated street value of $61,800. 

The woman was taken into custody and a subsequent record check revealed an outstanding $20,000 bench warrant from a prior narcotics charge. The suspected smuggler and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. 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. 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.