TEMECULA ---- Agents arrested two men near the Temecula checkpoint who allegedly attempted to smuggle 30 pounds of cocaine Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

The two men were in a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant traveling north on Interstate 15 when agents stopped the vehicle near Rainbow Valley Road, said Scott Simon, a spokesman for the agency in San Diego.

Agents questioned the 26-year-old driver and his 37-year-old passenger, both of whom are from Mexico, Simon said. The agents determined that both men were in the country illegally.

The agents then called a K-9 team to inspect the vehicle and found the drugs. Agents found 12 cellophane-wrapped bundles under the rear seat of the car containing a total of 29.6 pounds with an estimated street value of $296,500, Simon said.

The suspects and the drugs were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/temec ... 91859.html