Crime & Safety

306 Pounds Of Meth Seized During I-5 Traffic Stop Near Camp Pendleton

Border Patrol agents discovered 36 packages of methamphetamine valued at more than $650,000, authorities said.

Testing confirmed the packages contained methamphetamine, authorities said.
Testing confirmed the packages contained methamphetamine, authorities said. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — U.S. Border Patrol agents seized 306 pounds of methamphetamine worth more than $650,000 during a vehicle stop on Interstate 5, authorities announced.

Agents assigned to the i stopped the vehicle near Camp Pendleton around 3:25 p.m. Oct. 22, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

A Border Patrol dog alerted agents to the vehicle's rear passenger area. Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

A Border Patrol dog alerted agents to the vehicle's rear passenger area, where they found 36 concealed packages of suspected drugs. Testing confirmed the packages contained 306 pounds of methamphetamine, authorities said.

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"By seizing these 300 pounds of meth, we are sending a clear message: We're committed to stopping these drugs before they reach our communities," San Clemente Station Patrol Agent in Charge J.D. Scott said in a statement. "I'm proud of the hard work and dedication of our agents."

Agents turned over the suspected smugglers and drugs to other law enforcement agencies for further investigation. Border Patrol seized the vehicle.

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Authorities did not release information about the suspects or possible charges.

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