Huge Narcotics Bust Near San Clemente says US Border Patrol

SAN CLEMENTE, CA—A drug bust by U.S. Border Patrol agents uncovered a number of narcotics bundles inside a vehicle during a stop on Sunday, Aug. 14. It was reported that a man driving Interstate 5 near San Clemente was transporting 81 bundles of narcotics stashed in a 2005 Ford Focus.

"At approximately 1 p.m., a Border Patrol agent conducted a vehicle stop near the Avenida Presidio exit," Chief Patrol Agent Richard A. Barlow said.

During the stop, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted agents to conduct a search of the vehicle. The resulting discovery included 24 bundles of methamphetamine, 42 bundles of cocaine, and 15 bundles of fentanyl. The driver was also in possession of marijuana for personal use.

"In total, agents seized 38.80 pounds of methamphetamine, 116.29 pounds of cocaine, and 52.69 pounds of fentanyl," he said.

The total estimated street value of the narcotics is $3,940,680.

The suspect and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

“To the fullest extent, we will continue to deploy our personnel and resources at our checkpoints and along our major local highways to impact criminal organizations and protect our communities," he said.

This was the second significant narcotics seizure that took place on the Interstate 5 corridor last weekend. During a vehicle stop near San Clemente on Saturday, agents seized 47.43 pounds of methamphetamine that was found in the spare tire of a 2008 Dodge Caliber.

Agents arrested the driver of the vehicle, a 21-year-old woman, for narcotics smuggling. At the time of the arrest, the woman was traveling with her two siblings, an 8-year-old girl and 12-year-old boy, who were turned over to San Diego County Child Welfare Services.

As of July 31, 2016, San Diego Sector has intercepted 1,069 pounds of cocaine and 2,166 pounds of methamphetamine during fiscal year 2016.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance in 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.