Border Patrol Seize Gun, Meth in Traffic Stop on I-8 in East County

PINE VALLEY, CA — U.S. Border Patrol agents in East County San Diego arrested a man Wednesday night who allegedly had a stash of ammunition, crystal methamphetamine and a weapon inside his vehicle.

According to a news release, the incident occurred around 8 p.m., when agents were patrolling Interstate 8 and initiated a vehicle stop on a 36-year-old man driving a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro.

During the vehicle stop, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted agents to the sedan. A search of the car allegedly revealed a Glock 9mm handgun with an 18-round magazine in the glove box. Three packages of methamphetamine, which weighed 3.97 pounds, also were purportedly discovered inside the glove box. And inside the car trunk, agents reportedly found 36 rounds of 40-caliber ammunition.

The driver, whose identity was not disclosed, was detained at San Diego Central Jail and is facing federal charges for the alleged firearm and drug offenses.

Border Patrol seized the Camaro.

“This is a prime example of the unknown dangers that Border Patrol agents face daily as they carry out their patrol duties,” said Operations Officer Jason Bell.

The San Diego Sector has intercepted 2,166 pounds of methamphetamine in fiscal year 2016.