Campo, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two people last night who had heroin and fentanyl hidden inside a false car battery on Wednesday.

On August 7th, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 8 checkpoint observed a grey 2007 Nissan Sentra approach the primary inspection area.  During a pre-primary inspection, the on duty K-9 alerted to the vehicle.  The driver was referred to secondary inspection for further questioning.

While in secondary, agents searched the vehicle and discovered seven suspicious packages hidden inside a false battery compartment.  Four of the packages contained 7.62 pounds of black tar heroin valued at $79,580.  The remaining three packages contained 6.57 pounds of powder and pill forms of fentanyl valued at $78,970.

The driver, a 41-year-old man, and his 26-year-old female passenger are both U.S. citizens and were placed under arrest.  The woman’s child, who also was in the vehicle, was turned over to a family member.  The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

As of Oct. 1, 2018, San Diego Sector has seized approximately 219 pounds of heroin valued at $3,684,009 and 98.16 pounds of fentanyl valued at $2,601,240.