In two different stops at the I-5 checkpoint, the U.S. Border Patrol seized methamphetamine and heroin worth more than $1 million.
The first smuggling attempt was Tuesday at 8:30 p.m., when Border Patrol agents encountered a 19-year-old United States citizen driving a 1997 black Honda Civic at the I-5 checkpoint, according to a release from the Border Patrol.
Agents became suspicious of the driver and his 20-year-old passenger’s nervous demeanors and sent the car for inspection by drug-sniffing dogs.
Agents searched the vehicle and discovered 13 bundles of methamphetamine in a black duffle bag on the back seat. Upon discovery of the drugs, the driver of the vehicle ran from the checkpoint into traffic on the northbound I-5 and was quickly apprehended, according to the release.
The driver and his passenger, a United States citizen, were taken into custody and face Federal charges for drug smuggling. The methamphetamine weighed 27.67 pounds and had an estimated street value of $553,400, the release states.
Thursday, Border Patrol agents saw a gray 2003 Land Rover Freelander parked south of the checkpoint in San Clemente, according to the Border Patrol Release.
Agents approached the driver, a 33-year-old male U.S. citizen. After questioning the driver, agents brought in a drug dog, which discovered 13 bundles of heroin and 10 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in a makeshift compartment under the floorboard, the release states.
The heroin weighed 19.62 pounds and had an estimated street value of $235,440. The methamphetamine weighed 12.79 pounds and had an estimated street value of $255,800.
The suspected smuggler and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.
