SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KGTV) -- More than 10 pounds of cocaine was seized in a spare tire of a truck attempting to pass through Interstate 5 Border Patrol checkpoint near San Clemente, according to authorities.
A 19-year-old man was arrested by agents from the San Diego Sector at about 2:00 a.m. Tuesdsay while driving a silver BMW X5, according to a statement issued by the Border Patrol. The driver was identified only as a U.S. citizen.
Agents were alerted to the truck by a drug-sniffing dog. Agents discovered several plastic-wrapped packages inside the SUV’s spare tire. The packages contained 10.69 pounds of cocaine.
"These drugs could have made their way into any American community," said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke. "Thankfully the vigilance of our agents prevented that."
The driver -- whose truck was seized by U.S. Border Patrol -- was taken into custody by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
For Fiscal Year 2021 year to date, San Diego Sector has seized more than 625 pounds of cocaine, 479 pounds of methamphetamine, 62 pounds of heroin, and 252 pounds of fentanyl. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
