The U.S. Border Patrol’s San Diego Sector has reported an increase in attempts to smuggle drugs by hiding them inside vehicle batteries. Agents have intercepted several such cases in recent months.
On August 20, Border Patrol agents, working with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, stopped a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Interstate 5 in Carlsbad, California. During a search of the vehicle, authorities found 9.25 pounds of cocaine and 2.1 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within the car battery. The suspect and the seized drugs were taken to the Vista Sheriff’s Station for processing.
Other incidents this year involving similar methods include seizures of 32.8 pounds of fentanyl on April 14, 4.85 pounds of fentanyl on July 24, and 16.2 pounds of fentanyl along with $1,000 in cash on July 28.
“As we continue to gain, maintain, and expand operational control of the southern border, smugglers are going to great lengths to push dangerous drugs into this country,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector Jeffrey D. Stalnaker. “The Border Patrol is using every possible resource to dismantle the criminal networks that threaten American communities. I am deeply proud of the work our agents do every day.”
According to sector data for this fiscal year, agents have seized over 10,000 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 2,700 pounds of cocaine, over 500 pounds of fentanyl, and more than 50 pounds of heroin.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization and unified border management agency with more than 65,000 employees responsible for protecting borders on land, air and sea.
