U.S. Border Patrol agents from the San Diego Sector made an arrest after uncovering 761 pounds of liquid methamphetamine hidden inside the fuel tanks of a Freightliner semi-truck.
Before this incident, the San Diego Sector had seized 347 pounds of methamphetamine during the current fiscal year, making Tuesday’s arrest the largest single methamphetamine seizure over the past two years.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents conducted a stop at approximately 6:40 p.m. on a tractor-trailer traveling northbound on Interstate 215 in Murrieta.
After requesting a K-9 unit, which alerted positive for possible concealed narcotics, further investigation revealed anomalies within the fuel tank.
The truck driver and vehicle were then escorted to the Border Patrol station, where agents uncovered an aftermarket compartment — an additional storage space — hidden within both diesel tanks. The fluid in both compartments tested positive for characteristics of methamphetamine.
Homeland Security Investigations and hazmat personnel extracted a total of 22 five-gallon buckets from both tanks. The liquid methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $684,900, authorities said.
The driver and the narcotics were handed over to HSI for further investigation and legal action. The driver, whose identity was not disclosed, is facing federal charges for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The truck was seized by the Border Patrol.
To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact 911 or the San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
