52 Pounds Of Fentanyl Seized On 15 Freeway, Near Temecula: USBP

MURRIETA, CA — U.S. Border Patrol agents seized nearly 52 pounds of suspected fentanyl during an anti-smuggling operation along Interstate 15, just south of Temecula, authorities announced Monday.

The seizure occurred after agents patrolling the interstate encountered a northbound Honda CR-V that exited at Mission Road in Fallbrook, turned around, and stopped on its own in the southbound lanes, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

During a consensual encounter, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted agents, and a search of the SUV's backseat revealed a duffel bag containing 22 bundles of suspected narcotics weighing a combined 51.9 pounds, officials said.

Preliminary testing confirmed the presence of fentanyl, according to the USBP.

The driver and the seized narcotics were taken to the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station in Murrieta for processing before being transferred to the Drug Enforcement Administration for federal prosecution.

Authorities ask anyone with information regarding suspicious activity along the border or transit corridors to contact the San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.