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  4. USBP Seizes $100K of Cocaine

USBP Seizes $100K of Cocaine

Release Date
Thu, 01/07/2021

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents arrested a man in North County San Diego on Tuesday who was transporting cocaine in a car.

Cocaine
Border Patrol agents seized $120,000 of
cocaine Tuesday in San Clemente.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., the Interstate 5 checkpoint near San Clemente was operational, and agents were conducting immigration inspections.  As they did so, nearby agents on patrol noticed a Grey Nissan Sentra approaching the checkpoint.  Agents observed the driver of the Sentra abruptly exit the freeway, and then proceed southbound on the I-5 Freeway away from the checkpoint.

Agents followed the Sentra and encountered it parked at a nearby rest stop.  When they approached the driver, agents saw a number of suspicious packages on the front floorboard.  A K-9 then performed a cursory sniff of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert. 

A further inspection of the suspicious packages revealed 10.25 pounds of cocaine, which has an estimated street value of $120,000.  The driver, a 35-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested. He and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The vehicle was seized by the USBP.

"These drugs could have made their way into any American community," said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke.  "Thankfully the vigilance of our agents prevented that."

To prevent illegal entry 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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021