Agents from the U.S. Border Patrol's San Diego Sector have intercepted a significant quantity of fentanyl during a routine stop on Interstate 5. The seizure is part of ongoing efforts by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to combat the smuggling of dangerous narcotics into local communities.

Last week, officers from the San Clemente Border Patrol Station stopped a compact sedan near Cristianitos Road. A K-9 unit alerted agents to investigate further, leading to the discovery of packages suspected to contain narcotics in the vehicle's rear driver-side quarter panel. The vehicle, along with its driver, was taken to the San Clemente station for further examination.

At the station, tests confirmed that the packages contained fentanyl, weighing a total of 25.57 pounds. The driver was arrested, and the case has been handed over to the DEA Narcotics Task Force for further investigation and prosecution.

"This seizure highlights the critical role our Border Patrol agents play in protecting our communities," stated San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. "Every drug load we intercept demonstrates our commitment to keeping America safe from these dangerous substances."

In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, agents from this sector have seized approximately 17,400 pounds of cocaine, 98,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 465 pounds of heroin, and 6,500 pounds of fentanyl.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains at the forefront as America's largest law enforcement organization tasked with managing border security while facilitating lawful travel and trade.