TEMECULA, Calif. - Border Patrol seized 76 pounds of cocaine at checkpoint.

Border Patrol Nets $1.2M Cocaine Seizure

Release Date: 

April 22, 2016

 — Border Patrol agents seized more than 76 pounds of cocaine after conducting a vehicle stop on Wednesday near the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 15 in Temecula.  

At about 3:15 p.m., agents pulled over the driver of a 2005 Honda Accord.  As the agents interviewed the 50-year-old male driver of the vehicle, a Border Patrol K-9 conducted a search of the vehicle’s exterior and alerted agents for the possible presence of contraband. 

After the agents received the alert, the driver agents searched the vehicle and discovered 30 bundles of cocaine that was concealed in a false compartment built into the vehicle’s back seat. 

In total, the bundles contained 76.07 pounds of cocaine, which had an estimated street value of $1,217,120. 

Richard A. Barlow, Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector said, “This result illustrates how the U.S. Border Patrol aggressively targets illicit activity not only at the border, but also along major corridors of egress.”

The suspected smuggler was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the narcotics.  The Honda Accord was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Since October 1, 2015, Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector have intercepted 598.42 pounds of cocaine. 

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance in 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.