U.S. Border Patrol agents in the San Diego Sector intercepted a large haul of liquid methamphetamine hidden inside a semitruck's fuel tanks. The bust took place on Tuesday evening, marking the sector's most significant methamphetamine seizure in two years.
According to reports, agents from the Newton-Azrak station pulled over a northbound tractor-trailer on Interstate 215 in Murrieta at around 6:40 p.m. They requested a K-9 unit, which alerted authorities to the presence of hidden narcotics in the truck. Further inspection revealed irregularities in the fuel tanks, leading agents to transport both the truck and its driver to the Border Patrol station for a detailed investigation.
At the station, authorities found an aftermarket compartment inside the diesel tanks. Tests confirmed the fluid as methamphetamine. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and hazardous materials personnel assisted in extracting the liquid, which filled 22 five-gallon buckets. The methamphetamine weighed 761 pounds with an estimated street value of $684,900.
The driver was handed over to HSI for prosecution under Title 21, U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1) for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and the truck was confiscated.
Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector, stated, "Foreign terrorist organizations will use every trick in the book to get their drugs into the country. The agents of the San Diego Sector are the best in the business and will continue to target, interdict, and dismantle these organizations."
Before this incident, the San Diego Sector had seized 347 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,415 pounds of cocaine, 177 pounds of fentanyl, and 19 pounds of heroin in fiscal year 2025.
The U.S. Border Patrol emphasizes vigilance to prevent smuggling of drugs, humans, and other illegal goods. Suspicious activities should be reported to the U.S. Border Patrol via 911 or the San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves as the nation's primary border management agency. With over 65,000 personnel, CBP protects America through land, air, and sea, ensuring lawful travel, trade, and national security.
