MURRIETA, Calif.—Border Patrol agents arrested a man Wednesday evening who had over 70 pounds of cocaine hidden inside his truck.
On March 4th, at approximately 7 p.m., Border Patrol agents initiated a vehicle stop on a suspicious 2016 Nissan Frontier on Interstate 215 near the Murrieta Hot Springs exit. Pursuant to a K-9 alert, the pickup truck was searched by agents.
During the search, agents discovered 27 bundles of cocaine stashed inside the pickup’s front and rear seats, and underneath the seats.
cocaine stashed inside a vehicle.
The bundles of cocaine weighed 70.80 pounds and had an estimated street value of $786,450.
“In the last 72 hours San Diego Sector has seized over 117 pounds of lethal narcotics worth more than $1,300,000,” said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “Thankfully these dangerous drugs will not reach our local communities.”
The driver, a 32-year-old U.S. citizen, was placed under arrest. The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
See the following link for yesterday’s press release regarding another significant seizure.
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.