CAMPO, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a man at the Pine Valley checkpoint who had crystal meth hidden inside his car’s gas tank on Tuesday.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., on September 3, a man driving a 2010 Ford Focus approached the Interstate 8 westbound checkpoint. Agents referred his vehicle to the secondary inspection area for further investigation. Once there, a K-9 alerted to the backseat area of the sedan.
bundles of meth in his car's gas tank.
Agents searched the Ford and noticed anomalies inside the gas tank. Putting the vehicle on a hydraulic lift, agents discovered 20 plastic-wrapped bundles floating inside the gas tank. The contents tested positive for crystal methamphetamine. The bundles weighed 26.20 pounds and have an estimated street value of $60,260.
The man, a 29-year-old Mexican national, was placed under arrest. The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
San Diego Sector has seized approximately 3,980 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $9,154,000 since October 1, 2018.
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.
