Pine Valley, California - Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a man at the I-8 Checkpoint with more than $400,000 of methamphetamine hidden inside the undercarriage of his SUV.

At approximately 10:15 a.m., a 43-year-old Mexican national arrived at the I-8 checkpoint driving a 2007 Kia Sorrento.  As the vehicle approached the checkpoint, a K-9 team working in the pre-primary area alerted to the vehicle.  Subsequently, the vehicle was referred to secondary inspection for further investigation.  In the secondary inspection area, agents discovered 34 cellophane wrapped bundles of methamphetamine concealed inside an aftermarket compartment underneath the back seat.

The drugs weighed 48.15 pounds and have an estimated street value of $433,350.

Agents arrested the man and turned him and the narcotics over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol. 

CBP’s strategy to secure our Nation’s borders is based on a “defense in depth” philosophy.  This includes the use of Border Patrol interior checkpoints to interdict all threats to border security attempting to egress into the interior portions of our Nation.  During fiscal year 2014, San Diego Sector Border Patrol seized more than 1,790 pounds of methamphetamine, mostly at their checkpoints.

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.