Border Patrol agents in California had a successful drug bust as they seized $784,000 in drugs from smugglers. The event took place over two days.
On March 17, Border Patrol Agents stopped a suspicious vehicle at San Clemente - the driver was turned in to DEA. The inspection revealed 29 packages at an estimated street value of $314,000.
- heroin (34.83 pounds $189,600)
- fentanyl (16.20 pounds, $95,550)
- cocaine (5.18 pounds, $29,375)
The following day on March 18, Border Patrol stopped a vehicle and had K-9 support. During the search, they found 30 packages which contained 82.89 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $470,000.
Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector said according to Border Patrol:
“These back-to-back enforcement actions demonstrate the exceptional skill and commitment of our agents. In addition to securing our nation’s borders, the Border Patrol helps protect American lives by disrupting the flow of dangerous narcotics.”
Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks gave a summary of recent Border Patrol activity in San Diego and wrote on X:
After a thorough investigation into transnational criminal networks smuggling fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our communities, USBP, ICE, and multiple federal, state, and local agencies struck a significant blow against organized cross-border crime.
16 criminals arrested
14 firearms seized
6 vehicles seized
$12K in illicit cash
Drugs seized: fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana
Excellent work by all involved.
@EscondidoPolice @SanDiegoPD @SDSheriff @HSISanDiego @ATFHQ @CBP @CBPAMO @DEASANDIEGODiv