Border Patrol finds 81 pounds of cocaine in SUV’s dashboard

A K-9 unit helped Border Patrol agents seize more than 80 pounds of cocaine that was hidden in an SUV’s dashboard this week.

The vehicle was pulled over on the 15 Freeway near Temecula at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a news release.

“During the vehicle stop, a Border Patrol canine team conducted an air sniff of the vehicle and the canine alerted to the possible presence of narcotics,” the release added. “A cursory search of the vehicle revealed what appeared to be cellophane wrapped packages consistent with narcotics smuggling.”

The occupants of the vehicle, whom the Border Patrol did not identify, were arrested.

Back at the Border Patrol station, agents found 31 bundles containing a total of 81 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a “non-factory compartment behind the dashboard,” authorities said.

To report information to the Border Patrol, call 619-498-9900.

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