San Diego Border Patrol Agents Seize $9.8M In Cocaine On I-5

SAN DIEGO, CA — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the San Diego Sector seized more than 1,435 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $9.8 million during two vehicle inspections just three minutes apart at an Interstate 5 checkpoint, authorities said.

The seizures occurred Oct. 25 at the San Clemente Border Patrol checkpoint, where agents referred two vehicles for additional inspection after observing suspicious behavior, including one driver attempting to back out of the checkpoint, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

A Border Patrol dog alerted agents to both vehicles, leading to the discovery of 550 vacuum-sealed packages concealed in black garbage bags. The packages tested presumptively positive for cocaine, authorities said.

Both drivers were arrested. The Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the suspects and suspected drugs pending federal prosecution.