Border Patrol Agents Arrest American Woman Near Temecula

FALLBROOK, CA — A woman who was allegedly transporting narcotics on Interstate 15 heading toward the Temecula area was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol, the agency announced Friday.

The 39-year-old U.S. citizen, whose identity was not released, was pulled over by agents around 11 a.m. Jan. 14 on the northbound side of the freeway near state Route 76.

As agents questioned her, a USBP K-9 alerted the authorities and a search of her SUV began, according to a USBP news release.

Agents found several plastic-wrapped packages inside the vehicle’s center console.

"The packages contained 12.6 pounds of fentanyl and 12.3 pounds of cocaine, which have a combined estimated street value of $332,520," according to the USBP.

The woman and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which ordered the woman to appear in federal court, according to the USBP.

The USBP seized the vehicle.

"Thankfully, these dangerous drugs did not make it to their destination," USBP Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke said in a released statement. "I am proud of our agents’ continued dedication to keep our communities safe."