SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the San Diego Diego Sector seized nearly $1.5 million worth of cocaine during a traffic stop along Interstate 5 in San Clemente last week.
- The Nexstar Media video above explains the different “schedules” of drugs
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the seizure happened around 7:28 a.m. April 28 when agents from the San Clemente Border Patrol Station stopped a vehicle traveling north on Interstate 5.
During the stop, a K-9 unit alerted agents to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. After a further search, authorities uncovered 29 packages of suspected drugs hidden beneath a non-factory compartment built into the floor of the vehicle, officials said.
At that point, the driver, vehicle and packages were taken to a nearby Border Patrol station for further investigation.
Authorities later confirmed the packages contained cocaine weighing a total of 78.04 pounds. Officials estimated the street value of the drug at approximately $1,498,368.
The driver, identified as a U.S. citizen, and packages of cocaine were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Border Patrol seized the vehicle.
San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre praised the agents involved in the drug bust.
“This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our agents play in disrupting transnational drug trafficking operations,” said 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.”
Border Patrol officials said agents will continue to maintain heightened enforcement efforts along major roadways near the U.S.-Mexico border to combat drug smuggling.
