Driver Hauling 40 Lbs Of Fentanyl, Heroin On I-15 Caught In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — A Mexican citizen found hauling 40 pounds of mixed narcotics northbound on the I-15 Freeway was arrested near the Temecula Border Patrol checkpoint, the San Diego Sector Border Patrol agency reported this week.

On Monday, at 7 a.m., agents pulled over the driver of a "suspicious-looking" 2012 Ford Focus near Temecula. Upon searching, agents discovered 15 packages of drugs hidden within a concealed compartment in the dashboard of the car behind the radio, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

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Each package tested positive for narcotics, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Seven of the packages — totaling 20.6 pounds — allegedly tested positive for heroin. That's an estimated street value of over $280,000.

Eight of the packages totaling 20 pounds allegedly tested positive for fentanyl for an estimated street value of $240,000.

Both the driver and the and narcotics were turned over to the Riverside Sheriff’s Office. The Ford Focus was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Thus far in 2022, the San Diego Sector has seized over 68 pounds of heroin and 313 pounds of fentanyl.

To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.