Border Patrol Agents Find 51 Pounds Of Meth Hidden In Spare Tire In California

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said agents in California thwarted a smuggling attempt and seized more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a vehicle’s spare tire.

Border Patrol agents in the San Diego Sector encountered red Toyota pickup truck at the California State Route 94 checkpoint east of San Diego at around 10:30 p.m. on April 18. A K-9 unit in the primary inspection are alerted to the presence of concealed people or narcotics, and the driver was referred for secondary inspection.

An initial search of the vehicle did not yield results, but a mobile X-ray scan showed “anomalies” in the spare tire area. After removing the spare tire and using a handheld X-ray scanner, anomalies were found within the tire itself. A search revealed 48 packages, the contents of which tested positive for methamphetamine.

The packages weighed a total of 51 pounds, and carried an estimated street value of $175,000.

The driver was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale. The U.S. Drug enforcement Administration is leading the investigation.

“Our Border Patrol agents use every tool at their disposal to keep these dangerous narcotics from reaching our streets,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector Jeffrey D. Stalnaker said in a statement. “This sector is one of the nations busiest corridors for drug traffickers, and every action we take is focused on protecting America.”

CBP said that prior to this seizure, San Diego Sector had seized 826 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,716 pounds of cocaine, 202 pounds of fentanyl, and 56 pounds of heroin so far in fiscal year 2025.