100 Lbs. of Meth Load Seized in East County San Diego

PINE VALLEY, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 8 checkpoint arrested a man this weekend for smuggling narcotics.  Agents found more than 100 pounds of crystal meth stashed inside his SUV.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 8, at approximately 2 p.m., when a 53-year-old man arrived at the checkpoint in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  As agents questioned the man, a service K-9 alerted to the Cherokee.

Agents searched further and discovered 98 vacuum-sealed baggies packed inside the front passenger door, the left and right rear doors, the left and right rear quarter-panels, the spare tire, and the rear cargo door.  The baggies were filled with a crystal-like substance and tested positive for methamphetamine.  The narcotics weighed 101.90 pounds and have an estimated street value of $229,500.

The driver, a Mexican citizen lawfully residing in the U.S., was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.  The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle.

Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke said, “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Border Patrol remains committed to enforcing federal law and keeping these dangerous drugs off the street.”

Since October 1, 2019, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized 3,139 pounds of methamphetamine.

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.