Over 100 Pounds Of Meth, Cocaine Seized In Murrieta

MURRIETA, CA — San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents seized nearly 126 pounds of narcotics valued at approximately $483,000 from a single vehicle stop last week.

A 26-year-old male suspect—whose name was not released —and the narcotics were turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, according to a border patrol spokesperson. The U.S. Border Patrol took possession of the vehicle.

Friday at 11 a.m., border patrol agents assigned to the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station stopped an SUV just north of the Temecula Interstate 15 U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint. The SUV was halted in Murrieta.

The subsequent investigation and search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 99 pounds of methamphetamine and 27 pounds of cocaine.

The total seizure has an estimated street value of $483,000.

“Criminal organizations only focus on profit, regardless of the effect these dangerous drugs have on the community,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke. “Our Border Patrol agents remain vigilant, day and night, to intercept these poisons and the smugglers who transport them.”

In the fiscal year 2022, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents seized approximately 14,000 pounds of narcotics. In fiscal year-to-date 2023, over 1,300 pounds of drugs have been seized.

To prevent the 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