Alleged Meth Dealers Arrested

Methamphetamine with a street value of more than $600,000 was seized Thursday at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint south of Murrieta and Temecula, a Border Patrol agent said Friday.

The drugs were discovered at approximately 10:30 a.m. Thursday, according to U.S. Border Patrol agent Scott E. Simon. Agents stopped a 20-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a black 2006 Hummer H3 and his 21-year-old male passenger, also a U.S. citizen, as they approached the Interstate 15 checkpoint, Simon said.

"During inspection, agents became suspicious of the men’s nervous demeanor and referred them for a secondary inspection," Simon said, in a news release.

A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert, he said. 

"Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory compartment in the rear cargo deck concealing a total of 20 bundles of methamphetamine."

The narcotics weighed 30.87 pounds and had an estimated street value of $617,400, he said.

"The suspected smugglers and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation."

The Hummer H3 was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

"To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders," Simon said.

More than 138 agents are based out of the 

To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at 951-498-9900.