U.S. Border Patrol seizes over half a million dollars of cocaine hidden in vehicle dashboard

A USBP K-9 Unit assists with the seizure of 31 bundles of cocaine. TEMECULA, Calif. - San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 80 pounds of cocaine

hidden inside a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Tuesday morning.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., agents assigned to the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station conducted a vehicle stop on Interstate 15 in Temecula. During the vehicle stop, a Border Patrol canine team conducted an air sniff of the vehicle, and the canine alerted to the possible presence of narcotics. A cursory search of the vehicle revealed what appeared to be cellophane wrapped packages consistent with narcotics smuggling. The occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest and transported to the nearby station.

At the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station, a more thorough search of the vehicle was conducted and a total of 31 bundles were extracted from a non-factory compartment behind the dashboard. The substance in the bundles tested positive for cocaine, with a total weight of 81 pounds.

Riverside County Southwest Investigations Bureau (SIB) was notified and responded. The driver, passenger, and narcotics were turned over to the SIB for prosecution under state charges. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

"I am proud to say that men and women of the United States Border Patrol are out there day and night protecting our communities," said Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. "With each successful narcotic interdiction, I know for a fact that we've saved someone's life."

This seizure is part of the ongoing Operation Apollo, a joint regional operation comprised of federal, state, and local agencies working to combat the threat of fentanyl and other illicit narcotics. More information about Operation Apollo can be found here.

Fiscal year to date, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized 2,437 pounds of cocaine. This is a 300-pound increase from the previous fiscal year, during which agents seized 2,100 pounds of cocaine. The sector has also seized 3,627 pounds of methamphetamine, 31 pounds of heroin, and 475 pounds of fentanyl.

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 Sectorat (619) 498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.