San Diego Sector U.S. Border Patrol agents seized cocaine valued at nearly $1.5 million during a vehicle stop on April 28, according to a May 6 announcement.
The incident took place at 7:28 a.m., when agents from the San Clemente Border Patrol Station stopped a vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 5. A K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, leading to a search that uncovered 29 packages hidden in a non-factory compartment under the floor of the vehicle.
Authorities said the packages tested positive for cocaine, weighing a total of 78.04 pounds with an estimated street value of $1,498,368. The driver, identified as a United States citizen, was taken into custody and handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the narcotics for prosecution. The vehicle was also seized by Border Patrol agents.
"This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our agents play in disrupting transnational drug trafficking operations," said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre. "The vigilance of our agents, the capability of our K-9 teams, and our strong partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration were all instrumental in keeping these drugs off our streets and protecting our communities."
Officials emphasized that maintaining high vigilance along corridors away from national borders is key to preventing smuggling activities involving humans, drugs, and other contraband. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity directly to U.S. Border Patrol's San Diego Sector.
