U.S. Border Patrol agents from the San Diego Sector successfully intercepted a significant narcotic smuggling attempt on Interstate 5 near San Clemente, California, on January 10th. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. when agents stopped a suspicious vehicle near the Basilone Road exit.

A K-9 unit was brought in to assist with the inspection of the vehicle, which led to a positive alert for narcotics. Subsequent searches uncovered multiple concealed packages hidden within natural voids of the vehicle.

The vehicle and its occupant were transported to a nearby Border Patrol station where agents discovered 22 cellophane-wrapped packages containing methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. The drugs weighed 11.1 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.1 pounds of heroin, and 34.4 pounds of fentanyl with an estimated street value over $297,000.

Following the discovery, both the driver and the drugs were handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration while U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle.

San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel commented on the operation saying, “Border security is national security, and the interdiction of these narcotics is a testament to our commitment to protecting America.” She further expressed pride in her team's dedication and vigilance in serving their country.

In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, agents in San Diego Sector seized substantial amounts of illegal substances including 2,862 pounds of cocaine, 4,276 pounds of methamphetamine, 67 pounds of heroin, and 782 pounds of fentanyl.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stands as America's frontline defense being recognized as both the nation's largest law enforcement organization and world's first unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel committed to safeguarding American borders through innovation and collaboration.