U.S. Border Patrol agents in the San Diego Sector have successfully intercepted two drug smuggling attempts within a 24-hour period, seizing over 139 pounds of narcotics valued at more than $784,000.
The first incident took place on March 17 at 2:52 p.m. when agents from the San Clemente Station stopped a vehicle deemed suspicious. Following a brief interview, the driver allowed a search of the vehicle, leading to the discovery of a duffel bag filled with plastic-wrapped packages suspected to be narcotics. The driver was arrested on suspicion of narcotics smuggling. A detailed inspection revealed 29 packages weighing a total of 56.21 pounds. Tests confirmed the presence of heroin (34.83 pounds), fentanyl (16.20 pounds), and cocaine (5.18 pounds), with an estimated street value exceeding $314,000. The driver has been handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for federal prosecution under Title 21, U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1). The vehicle involved was seized by authorities.
A second operation occurred on March 18 at 6:25 a.m., again involving agents from the San Clemente Station who conducted another vehicle stop. After securing permission to search, they utilized a K-9 unit which led them to find two duffel bags containing narcotics packages inside the vehicle. A total of 30 packages weighing 82.89 pounds tested positive for cocaine, carrying an estimated street value of $470,000. The driver and drugs were taken into custody by the DEA for federal prosecution, and the vehicle was seized.
“These back-to-back enforcement actions demonstrate the exceptional skill and commitment of our agents,” stated Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector. “In addition to securing our nation’s borders, the Border Patrol helps protect American lives by disrupting the flow of dangerous narcotics.”
In fiscal year 2025 alone, agents in this sector have seized significant quantities including 906 pounds of cocaine, 157 pounds of fentanyl, and 19 pounds of heroin.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remains America's frontline defense as it is recognized as both the nation's largest law enforcement organization and as a unified border management agency globally.
