Border Patrol: Two Drug Smuggling Attempts Busted in Temecula Valley This Week

Border Patrol agents on Interstate 15 intercepted two smuggling attempts on Sunday and Monday.

Sunday’s incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m.  Agents initiated a vehicle stop on a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu traveling northbound on Interstate 15 and asked for identification from the driver, a 37-year-old man, and his 36-year-old female passenger.  Both claimed to be legal permanent residents of the U.S.  However, the driver could provide only a suspended driver’s license for I.D. and the woman claimed she left her identification at home in Fresno.  As agents began to conduct a records check via radio, the woman admitted that she was a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the U.S.  The man was determined to be a Mexican national as well.

A nearby K-9 alerted to the couple’s vehicle and a subsequent search revealed three packages of cocaine inside the car and one package inside the woman’s handbag.  The two were arrested and turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.  The narcotics weighed approximately 10.03 pounds and are valued at $130,390.

Monday’s incident occurred near Wildomar at approximately 1:30 p.m.  Agents initiated a vehicle stop on a 43-year-old U.S. citizen.  Agents asked the man for identification and he indicated he was from Guatemala, but had become a U.S. citizen.  When agents asked permission to search his 2003 Ford Ranger, the man agreed.  A nearby K-9 was summoned and alerted to the truck.  

Agents searched the vehicle, locating three packages of methamphetamine in three locations: under the bed liner, near the cab, and under a tool chest in the truck bed.  The narcotics weighed approximately 23.07 pounds and are worth approximately $230,700.  The man was arrested and turned over to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.