San Clemente, Calif. - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 5 checkpoint in San Clemente arrested two male U.S. citizens yesterday for transporting 312 marijuana plants.
At approximately 11:45 p.m., agents encountered the 29-year-old driver of a black 2001 Honda Civic and his 35-year-old passenger, as they arrived at the checkpoint. During inspection, agents became suspicious of the driver's nervous demeanor and referred them for a secondary inspection.
A Border Patrol canine team was summoned and performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert.
Upon further inspection, agents discovered 312 marijuana plants and 12 high-intensity light bulbs commonly used for indoor growing operations, in the trunk of the vehicle.
The suspected smugglers, vehicle, and marijuana growing paraphernalia were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the San Diego Sheriff's Department for processing and further investigation.