$630K in Cocaine, Heroin and Meth Found By Border Agents Near Murrieta This Week

U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested three men in two separate incidents in the past few days who were attempting to smuggle narcotics valued at $630,940.

On Sunday at approximately 12:15 a.m., Border Patrol agents observed a 2001 Ford Expedition driving erratically on the I-15 nearly striking their patrol vehicle.  Agents stopped the vehicle just north of Winchester Road.  As agents approached the vehicle they observed a black backpack in the rear cargo area.  A K-9 team was summoned and conducted a canine sniff, resulting in a positive alert.  Agents conducted a more thorough search and discovered five plastic wrapped bricks of heroin inside the backpack. 

The heroin weighed 12.44 pounds with an estimated street value of $242,970.  The men, a 53-year-old and 41-year-old, both U.S. citizens, were arrested.  The vehicle and drugs were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

On Monday morning, a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a 1997 Honda Accord was stopped by agents at the I-15 checkpoint.  A K-9 on scene conducted a canine sniff and alerted to the man’s vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed 19 bundles containing cocaine and methamphetamine inside of all four doors. 

The cocaine weighed 16.87 pounds and had an estimated street value of $219,310.  The methamphetamine weighed 18.74 pounds and had an estimated street value of $168,660.  The man and narcotics were turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.  The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.