Man Arrested At Border Patrol Checkpoint for Smuggling Nearly $160,000 in Methamphetamine

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PINE VALLEY – A 19-year-old man was arrested after attempting to smuggle nearly $160,000 worth of methamphetamine passed the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Sunday evening. At around 9:00 p.m. The 2008 Nissan Armada was sent for a secondary inspection after making contact with agents at the checkpoint on Interstate 8 near Pine Valley.

During the secondary inspection, a K-9 alerted to the vehicle and a search was conducted. While searching agents located a non-factory compartment behind the front firewall on the passenger side of the vehicle. Upon further they located 46 bundles of methamphetamine, which weighed over 46 pounds. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) picked up both the suspect and narcotics. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol and the man was arrested for narcotics smuggling.
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.