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  4. Border Patrol Discovers Cocaine Stashed Inside Fire Extinguisher

Border Patrol Discovers Cocaine Stashed Inside Fire Extinguisher

Release Date
Fri, 06/24/2016

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.—Border Patrol agents working at the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint in San Clemente on Thursday seized several pounds of cocaine that had been hidden inside a fire extinguisher.

At around 10 a.m., agents encountered a 2008 Dodge Nitro driven by a 20-year-old female Mexican national.  After the initial checkpoint inspection, the driver was referred to secondary inspection, where a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo area of the SUV.

The 6.83 pounds of cocaine were stuffed inside a fire extinguisher in the cargo area.
Several pounds of cocaine were stuffed
inside a fire extinguisher.

During a closer inspection of the vehicle, agents discovered an unusually heavy fire extinguisher in the rear of the vehicle.  They opened the canister and found 6.83 pounds of cocaine inside.  The narcotics were valued at $81,960.

The woman was arrested for narcotics smuggling and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the cocaine.  The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Since October 1, 2015, Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector have intercepted 900 pounds of cocaine.

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.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021