Border Patrol agents make 2 ‘significant’ drug seizures at I-5 checkpoint

SAN DIEGO ( Border Report ) — Border Patrol agents working at the San Onofre checkpoint near San Clemente, California made two significant drug seizures last week.

The first discovery took place at approximately 3:30 p.m. Oct. 9, when Border Patrol agents stopped a sedan heading north on Interstate 5.

According to a news released issued by the Border Patrol, during the vehicle inspection, agents discovered plastic-wrapped packages inside green trash bags, consistent with narcotics packaging.

Once at the station, agents removed four cellophane-wrapped packages which tested positive for heroin.

The suspected contraband, vehicle and driver were taken to a nearby Border Patrol station for further investigation.

The total weight of the heroin was 11.79 pounds worth $64,000.

Ultimately, the vehicle was seized and turned over to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office along with the drugs and the driver.

The second incident occurred just 12 hours later when agents stopped a suspicious pickup.

A Border Patrol K-9 performed a “non-intrusive search” of the vehicle and alerted agents to the truck’s battery compartment.

Inside, they discovered plastic-wrapped packages, which tested positive for fentanyl weighing five pounds. The seized drugs and car were confiscated.

The driver was arrested.

The fentanyl seized had a street value of about $39,000.

“Transnational Criminal Organizations continue to use Interstate 5 as a key corridor to smuggle drugs from the border to the interior of the United States,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. “We remain committed to working alongside our local, state and federal partners to protect our communities and disrupt these criminal networks.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BorderReport.