C.B.P. News Release

Border Patrol Seizes Drug Shipment from Truck Engine

(Wednesday, July 15, 2009)

San Clemente, Calif. - Border Patrol agents yesterday discovered more than 11 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside the engine of a pickup truck during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in San Clemente.

At about 9:15 a.m., an agent stopped a Ford F-150 pickup truck, which
was traveling northbound on the interstate near the Border Patrol checkpoint. The agent then summoned for a U.S. Border Patrol canine team to the scene of the traffic stop to conduct an inspection of the vehicle.

The search resulted in a positive alert in the engine compartment area, leading agents to conduct a further examination of the pickup truck. Under the engine manifold, agents discovered an aftermarket compartment that contained 10 bags of crystal methamphetamine, which had an estimated street value of $253,500.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 35-year-old male U.S. citizen, was arrested and later turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the drugs. The pickup truck was seized by the Border Patrol.

The Border Patrol’s enforcement approach helps prevent the smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband to the interior of our country. Since October 1, 2008, the men and women of San Diego sector have seized more than 24,100 pounds of marijuana, 1,077 pounds of cocaine and 198 pounds of methamphetamine in San Diego sector.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release
San Diego Sector
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (619) 216-4182 Ext: 114 or
(619) 652-9966 Ext: 192 (Spanish)

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 152009.xml