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  4. Border Patrol Vehicle Stop Nets 75-Pound Cocaine Seizure

Border Patrol Vehicle Stop Nets 75-Pound Cocaine Seizure

Release Date
Fri, 09/29/2017

TEMECULA, Calif.—Two men were arrested by Border Patrol agents on Thursday for smuggling nearly one million dollars worth of cocaine on Interstate 15 in Temecula.

The arrest took place after the agents conducted a vehicle stop on the men, who were traveling in a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu sedan on the northbound I-15 near the Border Patrol checkpoint.

Bundles of cocaine were stashed in the front wheel wells of car.
Bundles of cocaine were stashed
in the front wheel wells of car.

During the vehicle stop, one of the agents conducted an exterior search of the Chevrolet Malibu with a Border Patrol K-9, resulting in a positive alert. The agents conducted a further search of the vehicle and discovered 32 bundles of cocaine stashed in the front wheel wells and bumper.

The bundles of cocaine weighed 75.96 pounds and had an estimated street value of $987,454.

The alleged smugglers, both of whom are 30 years of age, are currently in custody at a Riverside County detention facility and are facing state narcotics smuggling charges.

Since October 1, 2016, Border Patrol agents in the San Diego Sector have seized 2,690 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.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021