Suspected Meth Smuggler Arrested Locally

A 56-year-old Mexican national was nabbed yesterday by U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 15 checkpoint for allegedly attempting to smuggle 56 pounds of methamphetamine worth an estimated street value of $1,120,000.

At approximately 3:45 p.m., agents stopped the man as he arrived in a blue 1999 Mercury Cougar at the I-15 checkpoint near Temecula.

“During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection,” according to a report from U.S. Border Patrol spokesman Scott Simon.

Using a K-9 team, agents searched the vehicle and discovered 24 bundles of methamphetamine concealed within the rear quarter panels behind both the driver and passenger seats, Simon reported.

The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation, according to Simon.

The Mercury Cougar was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.