SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered an array of drugs inside two vehicles yesterday, which resulted in the arrest of three men at the San Clemente checkpoint.
At approximately 8:15 a.m., a man arrived at the checkpoint driving a 1993 Toyota Camry. An agent referred the driver, a U.S. citizen, to the secondary inspection area. There, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to a spare tire found inside the trunk of the vehicle.
The tire was filled with bundles of ecstasy, crystal meth, cocaine, and heroin worth an estimated $652,700.
Agents inspected the tire and discovered multiple bundles of narcotics. The bundles contained approximately 10,000 doses of MDMA (i.e. ecstasy), 9.35 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 18.92 pounds of cocaine, and more than 77 ounces of brown heroin. The combined estimated street value of the narcotics was $652,700.
Later that day at approximately 1:30 p.m., agents initiated a vehicle stop on the driver of a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder. The driver, a 40-year-old Mexican national, and his 40-year-old passenger gave consent for a vehicle inspection following a K-9 alert. Agents searched and discovered 10.47 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside the SUV’s roof-rack bar. The narcotics are valued at $104,700.
The alleged smugglers and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
In fiscal year 2015, San Diego Sector intercepted 2,764 ounces of heroin, 2,266 pounds of methamphetamine, and 895 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.