SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 5 checkpoint arrested a man Thursday night who had more than eight pounds of China White heroin hidden inside the battery of his car.
At approximately 5 p.m., a 30-year-old Mexican national citizen driving a 2002 Dodge Intrepid arrived at the San Clemente checkpoint. Approaching primary inspection, the man piggy-backed to the car in front of him as it cleared primary; he then accelerated and attempted to bypass the inspecting agent. Agents stopped the man and referred him for a secondary inspection.
Observing fresh glue on the battery lid, agents opened the battery and found China White heroin inside.
In secondary inspection a routine Border Patrol canine sniff of the Intrepid resulted in a positive alert. Agents searched his car and observed fresh glue on the battery casing. Agents disconnected the battery, opened its top, and discovered six bundles of China White heroin. The heroin weighed 8.55 pounds and has an estimated street value of $166,840.
The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
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.