San Diego, CA — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to San Diego Border Patrol checkpoints foiled two drug smuggling attempts yesterday resulting in the seizure of $419,000 worth of heroin and $148,000 of methamphetamine.
At approximately 1 p.m., agents encountered two Mexican nationals, a 40-year-old male and 37-year-old female, as they arrived at the Interstate 8 checkpoint near Pine Valley, in a gray 2006 Ford F-350 pickup. During inspection, agents became suspicious of the occupants’ nervous demeanor and referred them for a secondary inspection.
A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert to the undercarriage. Agents searched the truck and discovered 15 bundles of heroin hidden in the front differential and transfer case. The heroin had a total weight of 34.94 pounds and an estimated street value of $419,000.
Border Patrol agents stopped another drug smuggling attempt earlier in the day at about noon at the State Route 94 checkpoint near Jamul.
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The three suspected smugglers and drugs were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The Ford F-350 and Mustang were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders. Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 66,350 pounds of marijuana, 1,729 pounds of cocaine, and 393 pounds of methamphetamine.
