U.S. Border Patrol Agents Seize $441K of Meth at I-15 Checkpoint

Escondido, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents intercepted a narcotics smuggling attempt on Interstate 15 yesterday resulting in the seizure of more than 22 pounds of methamphetamine.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., agents encountered a 28-year-old male Mexican national driving a silver 2000 Volkswagen Jetta at the I-15 Border Patrol checkpoint. 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 of the vehicle resulting in an alert. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered 13 bundles of methamphetamine inside a non-factory compartment under the driver’s side running board. The methamphetamine weighed 22.05 pounds and had an estimated street value of $441,000.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.