K9 Border Patrol Cop Finds 21 Lbs Of Drugs Hidden Inside Mercedes

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — One woman was arrested Thursday on suspicion of transporting over 21 pounds of cocaine and heroin through the San Clemente border patrol checkpoint.

"At approximately 12 p.m., agents pulled over a driver traveling northbound on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton," U.S. Border Patrol spokesperson Shane Crottie says.

Agents were questioning the woman when a K9 officer went on alert near the trunk of her silver Mercedes C300. Officers discovered the inside trunk filled with nine wrapped packages, consistent with the characteristics of narcotics smuggling.

"The nine packages weighed more than 21 pounds and contained 11.5 pounds of heroin and 9.8 pounds of cocaine," Crottie says, with an estimated street value of over $250,000.

The woman, an as-of-yet unidentified 22-year-old female U.S. citizen, along with the heroin and cocaine, were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation, he reports. Border Patrol officers seized her Mercedes for further investigation.

"These drugs could have made their way into any American community," said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke. "Thankfully, the vigilance of our agents prevented that from occurring."

Since October 1, 2020, San Diego Sector has seized more than 737 pounds of cocaine, 1,037 pounds of methamphetamine, 70 pounds of heroin, and 259 pounds of fentanyl.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.