Border Patrol agents seized more than 100 pounds of cocaine after a man attempted to elude a checkpoint inspection on Interstate 15 in Temecula
The suspected smuggler, a 46-year-old man, arrived at the checkpoint driving a 2000 Infinity QX4 SUV at about 8 a.m. on Tuesday. While the vehicle was being referred to a secondary inspection, the driver sped away from the checkpoint.
Agents were able to catch up to the vehicle after a brief pursuit that ended at a residential area near Temecula Parkway. As the pursuit ended, the suspect attempted to run away on foot from approaching agents, but was subdued by a Taser and arrested.
Agents found 37 bundles of cocaine stashed inside a speaker box and in a plastic container located in the SUV’s rear cargo area.
The cocaine had a total weight of 101 pounds and an estimated street value of $1.5 million
The suspected smuggler was booked into a Riverside County detention facility and is facing state narcotics charges.
So far in fiscal year 2017, Border Patrol agents have seized 1,662 pounds of cocaine in the San Diego area.
