23 Pounds Of Meth Seized Near Peninsula Park, Police Say

SAN MATEO, CA — San Mateo police found nearly 23 pounds of methamphetamine while conducting a welfare check in town this week, officials reported.

It happened around 7:45 a.m. Thursday as officers patrolling Los Prados Park along Casa De Campo went to check on someone who was in a parked car, according to police.

"The driver was contacted by officers and found to have an active warrant for his arrest in San Mateo County," police said in a news release. "Officers arrested the driver and had reasonable suspicion to believe he was hiding narcotics in the vehicle."

A sheriff's K9 was then brought out and the dog alerted to the trunk of the car, police said. Authorities then found "nearly 23 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside."

The drugs are valued at more than $160,000, police said.

Vladimir Magallan-Gallegos, 26, was arrested on suspicion of possession for sale of dangerous drug, transportation of a dangerous drug and a San Mateo County traffic warrant, police said. The Nevada man was taken to the San Mateo County jail.