San Clemente Meth Smuggler Busted, Border Patrol Says

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — More than $100,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine was discovered in a San Clemente drug bust Sunday morning, U.S. Border Patrol said.

U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a 38-year-old man who is suspected of smuggling more than $100,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine on Sunday morning near San Clemente.

At approximately 11:15 a.m., agents encountered the driver of a Nissan Sentra sedan at a gas station on Avenida Pico, near Interstate 5. During the encounter, a Border Patrol K-9 conducted a sniff of the vehicle, and produced a positive alert.

Agents searched the interior of the Nissan Sentra and discovered a secret compartment built into the vehicle’s floorboards.

"Agents extracted 40 bundles of crystal methamphetamine from the compartment and arrested the driver," the U.S. Border Patrol stated in release. "The narcotics weighed 40.37 pounds and its estimated street value is $129,184."

The suspected smuggler and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Nissan Sentra was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Since the beginning of fiscal year 2017, Border Patrol agents seized 1,989.86 pounds of methamphetamine is San Diego Sector.

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.

U.S. Border Patrol Photos