Border Patrol confiscates $1 million in crystal meth at checkpoint

Border Patrol agents assigned to an Interstate 15 checkpoint north of San Diego intercepted two smuggling endeavors this week that resulted in the seizure of 51.25 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1 million.

First, Border Patrol agents stopped a 40-year-old male U.S citizen at the I-15 checkpoint. After agents detected the man’s nervous demeanor the Border Patrol K-9 team to complete an inspection of the vehicle.

According to a BP press statement from Michael Jimenez, “The canine team alerted to the vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search revealed 31 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the rear quarter panels. The seized narcotics weighed more than 38 pounds with an estimated street value of $762,800.”

A second seizure at the I-15 checkpoint netted even more crystal methamphetamine. Agents stopped a Jeep Cherokee towing a Toyota Solara on a trailer. Border Patrol referred a 31-year-old male Mexican national driver to a secondary inspection area.

“Agents summoned a Border Patrol K-9 team to perform a cursory inspection of the vehicles. The canine team alerted to one of the vehicles,” a press release said. “A subsequent search of the vehicles revealed 25 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the gas tank of the towed vehicle. The narcotics seizure weighed more than 13 pounds with an estimated street value of $262,200.”

In both cases, the suspected drug smugglers and narcotics were handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further investigation. The U.S. Border Patrol confiscated all three vehicles and the trailer.

To report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

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