San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents recently seized over 128 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 8. The drugs, which have an estimated street value of $192,000, were confiscated as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel, Chief Patrol Agent at U.S. Border Patrol, lauded the operation stating, "128 pounds of meth seized in a single event last week. Great work by our agents who continue working the frontlines combating drug trafficking in our communities."
According to a news release from Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), agents near Campo halted a gray SUV heading westbound along Interstate 8 near the Sunrise Highway exit on Jan. 12. A K-9 team alerted them to the potential presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Agents subsequently discovered a crystal-like substance wrapped in numerous foil-wrapped packages hidden in the front wheel well and undercarriage of the SUV. The substance was tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine.
McGurk-Daniel further commended her team's diligence saying, "This is another example of the great work from our agents who continue working the frontlines combating drug trafficking in our communities."
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is now handling the investigation of this case according to the news release. In fiscal year 2023 alone, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,800 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,100 pounds of cocaine, 111 pounds of heroin and 1,285 pounds of fentanyl.
The news release also revealed that this recent seizure was conducted through a combined regional operation involving federal, state and municipal agencies working together to mitigate fentanyl.
Troy Miller, CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of Commissioner added his perspective on their strategy stating that "CBP’s modernized strategy brings the unique, formidable and wide-ranging capabilities and authorities of CBP to bear on the illicit synthetic drug trade and build capacity and collaboration with our partners—domestic and international — to ensure the safety of the American people. As the nation’s frontline, CBP is uniquely positioned to lead the federal government’s efforts to combat fentanyl."
