Agents from the U.S. Border Patrol's San Clemente Station seized a significant amount of cocaine last week on Interstate 5. The operation began on Friday afternoon when agents stopped a vehicle near the Basilone Road exit, suspecting the driver to be involved in narcotics smuggling.
At around the same time, another vehicle was stopped at a rest area on I-5. A Border Patrol K-9 team conducted a non-intrusive search and alerted agents to further inspect the vehicle. Agents found plastic-wrapped packages in an aftermarket compartment under the rear seat, consistent with narcotics packaging. Both vehicles and drivers were taken to a nearby station for further investigation.
Upon inspection at the station, agents discovered additional compartments under the front seats of one vehicle. They removed 40 cellophane-wrapped packages that tested positive for cocaine, weighing 102.85 pounds with an estimated street value exceeding $793,000. The narcotics, along with both drivers and vehicles, were handed over to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office for state prosecution.
San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel commended her team's efforts: “I applaud the great work and vigilance of the men and women of the San Diego Sector Border Patrol.” She emphasized their commitment to community safety against transnational criminal organizations.
In Fiscal Year 2024, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents reported their second-highest cocaine seizure in two decades at 2,862 pounds, alongside significant amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.
The U.S. Border Patrol continues its vigilance against human and drug smuggling along border corridors. Suspicious activities can be reported to them via 911 or by contacting San Diego Sector directly.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to national security through various means including innovation and collaboration.
