U.S. Border Patrol Agents Seize Hidden Marijuana and Liquid Meth at San Diego Checkpoints

San Diego — U.S. Border Patrol agents seized a total of $253,550 worth of marijuana and liquid methamphetamine this week in two separate attempted drug smuggling events.

Yesterday at approximately 1:45 p.m., agents encountered a 35-year-old male Mexican national driving a 2008 Ford Fiesta at the I-15 Border Patrol checkpoint near Temecula. Agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection. A Border Patrol Canine team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in an alert. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a large freezer bag inside of the gas tank containing a yellowish liquid. The fluid in the bag tested positive for liquid methamphetamine and weighed a total of 8.38 pounds with an estimated street value of $167,600. The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for further investigation.

On Sunday at about 7 p.m., agents encountered a 39-year-old male Mexican national driving a 1999 Jeep Cherokee as he arrived at the I-8 checkpoint near Pine Valley. Agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection. A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in an alert to the undercarriage. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered 23 cellophane-wrapped bundles of marijuana concealed inside of the spare tire and gas tank. The marijuana weighed a total of 57.3 pounds and had an estimated street value of $85,950. The suspected smuggler and drugs were taken into custody and turned over to a multi-agency drug taskforce for further investigation.

The vehicles in both events 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 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.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.