Murrieta Border Patrol Agents Seize 40 Pounds Of Narcotics This Week

MURRIETA, CA — A Mexican citizen found hauling 40 pounds of mixed narcotics northbound on the I-15 Freeway was arrested near the Temecula Border Patrol checkpoint, the San Diego Sector Border Patrol agency reported this week.

On Monday, at 7 a.m., agents pulled over the driver of a "suspicious-looking" 2012 Ford Focus near Temecula. Upon search, agents discovered a bulk of 15 packages hidden within a concealed compartment in the dashboard of the car, behind the radio, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs said.

Each package tested positive for narcotics: seven of the packages tested positive for heroin, totaling 20.6 pounds and an estimated street value of over $280,000. Eight of the packages tested positive for fentanyl, totaling 20 pounds, with an estimated street value of $240,000.

Both the driver and the and narcotics were turned over to the Riverside Sheriff’s Office while the Ford Focus was seized by U.S. Border Patrol.

Thus far in 2022, the San Diego Sector has seized over 68 pounds of heroin and 313 pounds of fentanyl.

To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.