USBP Seizes Two Meth Loads in One Day

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested three people on Wednesday during two separate incidents.  Both vehicles had bundles of meth inside.

The first incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m., when agents stopped the driver of 2008 GMC Sierra on Interstate 5 near San Clemente, Calif.  The agents questioned the female driver, then performed an exterior search of the vehicle with a Border Patrol K-9 team.

With an alert from their K-9, agents searched further and located a refrigerant container and a degreaser fluid container in the rear passenger area.  The contents of both containers tested positive for liquid methamphetamine.  The total weight of the containers was 34 pounds and the estimated street value of the liquid meth was $76,500.

The driver, a 24-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The second incident took place at 2:15 p.m., when a woman and her male passenger arrived at the State Route 94 checkpoint near Jamul, Calif.  After a brief conversation, agents referred the 37-year-old driver to secondary inspection for further questioning.  Once in secondary, a K-9 alerted to her 2020 Ford Edge SUV.  Searching the car, agents discovered six plastic-wrapped packages inside a mini fridge in the rear seat.  All six packages tested positive for methamphetamine.

The meth packages weighed 9.85 pounds and have an estimated street value of $22,500.

The woman and her male passenger are being charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.  The narcotics were turned over to DEA.

The U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicles in both instances.

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 Oct. 1, 2019, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized 2,408 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.