Border Patrol seizes 104 lbs. of cocaine found in hidden compartment
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Border Patrol agents found and seized over 100 pounds of cocaine after an SUV went through an immigration checkpoint in Southern California on Wednesday.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a K-9 helped lead Border Patrol agents to find 40 bundles of cocaine in the roof of a vehicle that went through Border Patrol's I-15 North immigration checkpoint in Temecula.
CBP reports a silver SUV was stopped by Newton-Azrak Station Border Patrol agents at 1:50 p.m. on June 4. After a brief interview, Border Patrol agents brought out a K-9, which alerted them to the presence of narcotics.
A search of the vehicle resulted in agents finding 40 bundles, which totaled 104 pounds of cocaine, in the roof in an added motorized compartment. The street value is estimated to be around $708,000.
The person driving the vehicle, only identified as a U.S. citizen, was detained by Homeland Security Investigations, which also seized the cocaine. Border Patrol seized the vehicle.
The suspect is facing federal charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute.
'Drug smugglers are often resourceful, but our dedicated agents are always watching,' said San Diego Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker. 'Our agents are the best of the best, and we remain resolute in our mission to keep communities safe.'
This fiscal year, San Diego Sector has seized 2,356 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,587 pounds of cocaine, 250 pounds of fentanyl, and 56 pounds of heroin.
To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact 911 or the San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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