107 Pounds of Meth Seized in Two Smuggling Attempts

PINE VALLEY, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two people Thursday during two separate incidents.  In both events, the vehicles were carrying hidden methamphetamine with a total weight of more than 107 pounds.

The first incident occurred on July 23, at approximately 12:49 p.m., when a woman driving a 2006 Honda Accord arrived at the Interstate 8 checkpoint in Pine Valley, Calif.  The woman was referred to secondary for a more intensive inspection after a Border Patrol K-9 team performed an exterior search of the vehicle which resulted in a positive alert.

Agents thoroughly searched the vehicle and discovered 64 packages of methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle’s quarter panels and gas tank.  The meth weighed 74.47 pounds with an estimated street value of $186,175.

The driver, a 22-year-old U.S. citizen, and the narcotics were turned over to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for further investigation.

Lieutenant Ricardo Lopez, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department added, "It is protocol for the Sheriff's Department to respond to border checkpoints to take custody of evidence and subjects who are suspected of felony state crimes not related to immigration, such as in this case."

The second incident took place several hours later at the same location when a 19-year-old male U.S citizen, driving a 2005 Ford Mustang approached the checkpoint.

After a Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to the vehicle, the man was referred aside for further inspection.  Agents discovered 39 packages of methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle’s gas tank.  The packages weighed 32.9 pounds with an estimated street value of $82,250.

The man and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

The U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicles in both instances.

Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke said, “Once again our agents have intercepted these dangerous drugs before they could reach the streets, poisoning our community. I am exceedingly proud of the dedication our agents exhibit everyday protecting America.”

Since Oct. 1, 2019, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 3,050 pounds of methamphetamine which accounts for 25% of the methamphetamine seized by Border Patrol along the south-west border.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on 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.