San Clemente, CA. - Border Patrol agents yesterday discovered more than 11 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside the engine of a pickup truck during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in San Clemente.
At about 9:15 a.m., an agent stopped a Ford F-150 pickup truck, whichbwas traveling northbound on the interstate near the Border Patrol checkpoint. The agent then summoned for a U.S. Border Patrol canine team to the scene of the traffic stop to conduct an inspection of the vehicle.
examination of the pickup truck. Under the engine manifold, agents discovered an aftermarket compartment that contained 10 bags of crystal methamphetamine, which had an estimated street value of $253,500.The driver of the pickup truck, a 35-year-old male U.S. citizen, was arrested and later turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the drugs. The pickup truck was seized by the Border Patrol.
The Border Patrol’s enforcement approach helps prevent the smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband to the interior of our country. Since October 1, 2008, the men and women of San Diego sector have seized more than 24,100 pounds of marijuana, 1,077 pounds of cocaine and 198 pounds of methamphetamine in San Diego sector.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
