Agents arrested a man Thursday on drug charges after finding methamphetamine valued at nearly $140,000 concealed inside his vehicle’s fuel tank, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.
The agents, assigned to the checkpoint on westbound Interstate 8, inspected a black 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, along with the on-duty K-9 unit. After questioning the driver, they sent him to secondary inspection.
While there, agents discovered 72 suspicious packages hidden inside the fuel tank. The packages contained 87 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $138,740.
Agents arrested the driver, a 26-year-old Mexican national with a permanent resident card. The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
As of Oct. 1, 2018, the San Diego Sector had seized more than 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $4.6 million.
To report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol, contact the San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
– Staff reports
