U.S. Border Patrol Agents Uncover Black Tar Heroin Hidden in Engine at State Route 94 Checkpoint

Jamul, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the State Route 94 checkpoint near Jamul prevented a drug smuggling attempt last Friday which resulted in the seizure of more than 11 pounds of black tar heroin. 

At approximately 10:35 a.m., agents encountered the 39-year-old United States citizen female driver of a red 1999 Dodge Durango as she arrived at the checkpoint. During inspection, agents became suspicious of the woman’s nervous demeanor and referred her for a secondary inspection.

A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert to the front of the vehicle. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory compartment inside the vehicle’s intake manifold.

Inside the compartment, agents discovered four foil-wrapped bundles of black tar heroin with a total weight of 11.1 pounds and an estimated street value of $133,200. The suspected smugglers and drugs were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle was 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 68,500 pounds of illicit narcotics.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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.