Border Patrol seizes suspected cocaine worth $9.8 million at California checkpoint

Immigration · First reported 7 Nov, 09:45 · Updated 10:13

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Francis Matahum · CC BY-SA 4.0

Two vehicle inspections at the San Clemente checkpoint uncovered more than 1,435 pounds of suspected cocaine on Oct. 25, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Both drivers were arrested, and the Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the suspects and drugs pending federal prosecution.

Agents inspected two vehicles at the San Clemente checkpoint three minutes apart and found more than 1,435 pounds of suspected cocaine, valued at $9.8 million.
A canine alerted agents to the vehicles; they found 550 vacuum-sealed packages in black garbage bags, and field tests presumptively indicated cocaine.
Both drivers were arrested, and the DEA took custody of them and the suspected drugs pending federal prosecution.

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Key facts

Date: Oct. 25
Location: San Clemente Border Patrol checkpoint, Southern California
Suspected cocaine: More than 1,435 pounds, valued at $9.8 million
Packages: 550 vacuum-sealed packages found in black garbage bags
Arrests: Both drivers were arrested; the DEA took custody pending federal prosecution