Smugglers Using Car Batteries To Hide Drugs In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector has seen an increase in drug smuggling attempts involving car batteries.

In recent months, Border Patrol agents have intercepted multiple loads of drugs concealed under the hood of vehicles inside the battery, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"As we continue to gain operational control of the southern border, smugglers are going to great lengths to push dangerous drugs into this country," Acting Chief Patrol Agent of San Diego Sector Jeffrey D. Stalnaker said in a statement. "But the Border Patrol is using every possible resource to dismantle the criminal networks that threaten American communities. I am deeply proud of the work our agents do every day."

Last week, agents coordinated with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office to stop the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling north on Interstate 5 in Carlsbad, where a search led to the discovery of 9.25 pounds of cocaine and 2.1 pounds of methamphetamine inside the battery of the vehicle. The suspect and seized narcotics were taken to the Vista Sheriff's Station for processing, officials said.

Previous drug smuggling attempts involving battery concealment in the San Diego area include the discovery of 32.8 pounds of fentanyl on April 14, 4.85 pounds of fentanyl on July 24, and 16.2 pounds of fentanyl plus $1,000 in cash on July 28, according to the CBP.

This fiscal year, the San Diego Sector has seized at least 10,696 pounds of meth, 2,751 pounds of cocaine, 521 pounds of fentanyl, and 56 pounds of heroin, the agency said.