San Diego -U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 8 and Interstate 5 checkpoints prevented two smuggling attempts yesterday, resulting in the seizure of cocaine and marijuana worth an estimated $1,196,445.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., agents encountered a 59-year-old female U.S. citizen driving a silver 2003 BMW X5 at the I-8 checkpoint near Pine Valley. During inspection, agents became suspicious of the woman's nervous demeanor and referred her for a secondary inspection. A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered 40 bundles of cocaine in a non-factory compartment under the front floorboard. The cocaine weighed 117.55 pounds and had an estimated street value of $1,175,500.
Another event occurred at approximately 12 p.m., when agents assigned to the I-5 checkpoint encountered a 22-year-old male Mexican national driving a silver 2000 Ford Windstar. A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered six bundles of marijuana in the passenger-side, rear-quarter panel and five bundles in the spare tire located under the vehicle. The marijuana weighed a total of 41.89 pounds and had an estimated street value of $20,945.
The suspected smugglers and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The vehicles used in the smuggling attempts were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major 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.