PINE VALLEY, Calif. (KGTV) -- A woman was arrested Wednesday for reportedly trying to smuggle 160 packages of methamphetamine with her kids in the car.
According to Border Patrol, the woman was traveling through the Interstate 8 checkpoint when agents used a K-9 to sniff the vehicle.
The woman was sent to a secondary inspection for further examination after a K-9 alerted agents.
After searching through the vehicle, agents found bundles of meth hidden in the rear cargo area, rear bumper, center console and all four doors as well at the vehicle’s spare tire.
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The drugs have a street value estimated at $362,342 and weighed more than 157 pounds.
The woman, a 32-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested and her minor children released to family members.
The incident comes one day after another woman was arrested in East County for reportedly trying to smuggle methamphetamine with her 6-year-old son in the car.
“This is the second event this week where drug smugglers used children as a diversion,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison. “I am proud of our agents’ dedication. They diligently safeguard children from being used as decoys to benefit transnational criminal organizations.”
To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
