Published: April 14, 2011
Updated: 2:22 p.m.

More than 15 pounds of meth found on truck

By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

SAN CLEMENTE – More than 15 pounds of methamphetamine was discovered by U.S. Border Patrol agents Wednesday, hidden inside a black PVC pipe.

Authorities believe the methamphetamine seized has an estimated street value of $277,740, according to a statement released by the agency.

U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a Chevrolet Silverado pickup at 10:30 a.m. about five miles south of the I-5 Border Patrol checkpoint in San Diego County, according to the statement.

"During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man's nervous demeanor," the statement read.

Agents received permission to search the truck and found the drugs in a spare drive shaft on the bed of the truck.

The driver of the truck, identified only as a Mexican national, was taken into custody and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle was seized by U.S. Border Patrol.

Contact the writer: shernandez@ocregister.com or 949-454-7361

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