Meth Smuggler Caught With Child In Car On I-5: Border Patrol

OCEANSIDE, CA — A drug smuggler was arrested near Oceanside after authorities found almost 49 pounds of methamphetamine inside her car – along with her 7-year-old child, U.S. Border Patrol officials said.

Shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday, agents on patrol near the Oceanside Harbor exit on Interstate 5 spotted a black Kia Forte heading northbound. They pulled the vehicle over due to the driver's suspicious behavior, Border Patrol spokesman Theron Francisco said.

Agents found a duffle bag with 20 bundles of meth inside the trunk of the car, Francisco said. The drugs were valued at nearly $93,000.

Agents arrested the driver, a 26-year-old Mexican national with a valid tourist visa, Francisco said. The woman, whose name was not released, faces state charges for felony drug trafficking.

The drugs and car were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Francisco said, while the child was placed with child protective services.

Also see:

• Border Patrol: Drug Smugglers Use Children As 'Diversion'
• Teen Uses Remote-Controlled Car To Smuggle Meth: Border Patrol
• Drone Smuggler Sentenced For Flying Meth Into San Diego County