$500,000 in Drugs Seized at Temecula Checkpoint

More than $500,000 worth of drugs were seized by U.S. Border Patrol agents out of Murrieta this week near the Interstate 15 checkpoint south of Temecula.

On Tuesday, agents arrested a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen on suspicion of smuggling 78 bundles of marijuana in the rear seat and trunk of a white 2004 Dodge Stratus, according to Scott Simon, U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector.

"The total weight of the drugs was more than 416 pounds with an estimated street value of nearly $250,000," Simon said in a news release.

In addition, agents stopped the 20-year-old male U.S. citizen driver of a silver 2004 Chrysler Pacifica near the I-15 checkpoint on Friday.

"A Border Patrol K-9 team positively alerted to the rear seat of the vehicle, resulting in the discovery of an electronically locked compartment below the vehicle’s third row seat," Simon said.

When agents opened the non-factory compartment, they discovered 10 bundles of cocaine with a total weight of more than 25 pounds and worth an estimated $251,300, he said.

The suspected smugglers and drugs were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to Simon.

Both vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Since Oct. 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 2,100 pounds of cocaine, 473 pounds of methamphetamine, and 68,550 pounds of marijuana.

The operates a 3,300-square mile section of the San Diego Sector, including the Temecula checkpoint.