CBP agents seize $4 million in narcotics during traffic stops

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stationed near Interstate 5 in San Clemente arrested an individual allegedly transporting 81 bundles of narcotics concealed within a 2005 Ford Focus on Sunday.

The incident began as an officer conducted a vehicle stop near the Avienida Presidio exit. After a quick examination of the vehicle with a narcotics-detecting canine unit, agents were alerted to the possible presence of drugs in the car. Officers then physically searched the car and uncovered 24 bundles of methamphetamine, 42 bundles of cocaine and 15 bundles of fentanyl. The driver was also carrying marijuana for personal use. The total approximate street value of the narcotics was $3,940,680.

The man and the drugs were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further processing, while 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,” Richard A. Barlow, chief patrol agent for CBP, said.

A second drug seizure over the weekend resulted in the seizure of approximately 47.43 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a spare tire of a 2008 Dodge Caliber SUV. The driver, a 21-year old woman, was arrested for narcotics smuggling. The driver was traveling with two young siblings, who were turned over to San Diego County Child Welfare Services.