Federal Agents Find 14.5 Pounds of Cocaine in SUV Gas Tank

Federal agents discovered nearly 15 pounds of cocaine in a car’s gas tank Wednesday.

U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a woman driving a compact SUV at the San Clemente checkpoint around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, according to a press release. A dog alerted to the presences of drugs, and agents did a thorough search.

Six bundles of cocaine were concealed inside the gas tank, the release said. The narcotics were accessible through an access panel for the fuel-sending unit, which was found under the back seat.

The six bundles contained approximately 14.55 pounds of cocaine, worth approximately $189,150. 

The woman and the cocaine were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Border Patrol seized the Mazda Tribute.