‘Resourceful’ Drug Smugglers Hide $700K Of Cocaine In Car Roof Before Temecula Interception: Border Patrol

TEMECULA, CA — U.S. Border Patrol agents intercepted 104 pounds of elaborately concealed cocaine during a vehicle stop on Interstate 15, they announced this week, halting what the agency called "a significant drug trafficking attempt."

On Wednesday, shortly before 2 p.m., agents assigned to the Newton-Azrak Station in Murrieta initiated a vehicle stop on a silver SUV at the Border Patrol’s Temecula I-15 North immigration checkpoint.

Agents spoke with the driver, then called a Border Patrol K-9 unit to assist with inspecting the vehicle, according to a recent news release. The K-9 officer made a positive alert for the possible presence of narcotics associated with that vehicle.

A further in-depth examination of the SUV revealed 40 suspicious bundles concealed within the roof in an aftermarket motorized compartment, they said.

Homeland Security Investigations took custody of the suspect, identified only as a U.S. citizen. The case was referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, for federal charges of 21 USC 844 (possession of a controlled substance) and 21 USC 841 (possession with intent to distribute), according to that agency.

The U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle and the narcotics, which were taken to Murrieta's Newton-Azrak Station. There, they were weighed and tested to reveal 104 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $708,000.

The San Diego Acting Chief Patrol Agent, Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, spoke about the arrest and subsequent investigation.

“Drug smugglers are often resourceful, but our dedicated agents are always watching,” Stalnaker said. “Our agents are the best of the best, and we remain resolute in our mission to keep communities safe.”

During the current fiscal year, the San Diego Sector has seized 2,356 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,587 pounds of cocaine, 250 pounds of fentanyl, and 56 pounds of heroin.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol
maintains a high level of vigilance along corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.

To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact 911 or the San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.