C.B.P. News Release

Border Patrol Traffic Stop Yields $362K Crystal Meth Seizure

(Wednesday, September 30, 2009)

Temecula, Calif. — Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a young lady for allegedly smuggling more than 15 pounds of crystal methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 15 in Temecula.

At about 10:15 a.m., agents on patrol spotted the woman as she was driving a Ford Focus on the northbound lanes of the interstate. The agents stopped the vehicle near the Winchester Road Exit and conducted an immigration evaluation. A U.S. Border Patrol K-9 team arrived at scene of the traffic stop after agents determined that the woman provided inconsistent answers during an interview.

A search by the Border Patrol K-9 team produced an alert near the dash area of the Ford Focus. Agents conducted a further search and found 18 bundles of crystal methamphetamine stashed inside the dashboard. The illicit narcotics had a total weight of 15.76 pounds and an estimated street value of $362,480.

The woman was placed under arrest and she was later turned over to a multi-agency, anti-drug task force.

The U.S. Border Patrol maintains strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to serve as a force multiplier to prevent the egress of illicit narcotics into our country. Since October 1, 2008, U.S. Border Patrol agents have seized more than 330 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)

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