U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested four people last weekend during two separate incidents.
In both events the vehicles were carrying hidden methamphetamine with a total weight of more than 128 pounds.
The first incident occurred on Friday, July 10, at approximately 1 p.m., when two people in a 1999 black Toyota 4Runner arrived at the Interstate 8 checkpoint in Pine Valley. Agents questioned the male driver, then performed an exterior search of the vehicle with a Border Patrol K-9 team.
When the K-9 alerted to the SUV, agents searched further. Checking the vehicle’s undercarriage, they discovered 85 baggies packed inside the spare tire. The baggies were filled with a crystal-like substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine. The narcotics weighed 86.41 pounds.
The driver, a 22-year-old U.S. citizen, and his 24-year-old female passenger were arrested and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The second incident took place on Sunday, July 12, at approximately 2 p.m., when a male driver and his male passenger arrived at the I-8 checkpoint. After a brief conversation, agents referred the 19-year-old driver to secondary inspection for further questioning. Once in secondary, a K-9 alerted to his 2016 black Chevrolet Malibu. Searching the car, agents found 40 plastic-wrapped packages inside the gas tank.
All 40 packages tested positive for methamphetamine. The meth packages weighed 41.71 pounds. Both men are being charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. The narcotics were turned over to the DEA. The U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicles in both instances.
Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke said, “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Border Patrol remains committed to enforcing Federal law and keeping these dangerous drugs off the street.”
Since Oct. 1, 2019, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized 2,625 pounds of methamphetamine.
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.
