An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. Border Patrol Sniffs Out Heroin & Fentanyl Inside False Car Battery

Border Patrol Sniffs Out Heroin & Fentanyl Inside False Car Battery

Release Date
Thu, 08/08/2019

CAMPO, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two people last night who had heroin and fentanyl hidden inside a false car battery on Wednesday.

 

On Aug, 7th, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 8 checkpoint observed a grey 2007 Nissan Sentra approach the primary inspection area.  During a pre-primary inspection, the on duty K-9 alerted to the vehicle.  The driver was referred to secondary inspection for further questioning.

 

While in secondary, agents searched the vehicle and discovered seven suspicious packages hidden inside a false battery compartment.  Four of the packages contained 7.62 pounds of black tar heroin valued at $79,580.  The remaining three packages contained 6.57 pounds of powder and pill forms of fentanyl valued at $78,970.

 

The driver, a 41-year-old man, and his 26-year-old female passenger are both U.S. citizens and were placed under arrest.  The woman’s child, who also was in the vehicle, was turned over to a family member.  The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

 

As of Oct. 1, 2018, San Diego Sector has seized approximately 219 pounds of heroin valued at $3,684,009 and 98.16 pounds of fentanyl valued at $2,601,240.

 

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.

Last Modified: Oct 27, 2023