U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 5 checkpoint south of San Clemente seized $1.4 million worth of hard narcotics concealed inside a metal security door that was being transported in the bed of a pickup truck.

Border Patrol finds $1.4 million worth of drugs hidden in metal door. Border Patrol photo
Border Patrol finds $1.4 million worth of drugs hidden in metal door. Border Patrol photo

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday, agents at the checkpoint encountered a 34-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 1999 Ford F-250.

Agents referred the driver to secondary inspection, where a K-9 team detected drugs. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered bundles of narcotics stuffed inside the metal security door.

There were a total of 63 bundles, with 41 containing methamphetamine, 16 cocaine, and six heroin.  The drugs were valued at $1.4 million.

The suspect, drugs, and truck were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

— From a Border Patrol press release

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.