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  4. USBP Seizes Cocaine on I-5

USBP Seizes Cocaine on I-5

Release Date
Tue, 02/16/2021

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

Cocaine
Border Patrol agents seized 10.69 pounds 
of cocaine.

At approximately 2 a.m. on February 9, agents pulled over a suspicious male driver just north of Highway 76 on Interstate 5.

As agents questioned the 19-year-old U.S. citizen driver, their K-9 alerted to his silver BMW X5.  Searching further, agents discovered several plastic-wrapped packages inside the SUV’s spare tire.  The packages contained 10.69 pounds of cocaine.

The man and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.  The U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle.

"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."

For Fiscal Year 2021 year to date, San Diego Sector has seized more than 625 pounds of cocaine, 479 pounds of methamphetamine, 62 pounds of heroin, and 252 pounds of fentanyl.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 16, 2021