U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stationed near the border patrol checkpoint on Interstate 15 in Temecula, California, seized approximately $1.2 million worth of cocaine on Wednesday.
The incident occurred when agents encountered a 2005 Honda Accord driven by a 50-year-old male. After an inspection by K-9 units, the car was flagged for suspicion of contraband. Upon searching the vehicle, agents discovered 30 bundles of cocaine concealed within false compartments built into the vehicle’s back seats.
In total, agents seized 76.07 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $1.2 million in street value.
“This result illustrates how the U.S. Border Patrol aggressively targets illicit activity not only at the border, but also along major corridors of egress,” Richard Barlow, chief patrol agent of the San Diego Sector, said.
The suspect was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the cocaine. The vehicle the suspect was driving was seized by border patrol agents.
Since October 2015, agents in San Diego have seized approximately 598.42 pounds of cocaine.
The CBP is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders and official ports of entry.