Border Patrol Finds 104 Pounds Of Cocaine In Aftermarket Roof Compartment Of SUV Driven By US Citizen

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said agents in California recently discovered more than 100 pounds of cocaine concealed within a vehicle’s aftermarket motorized roof compartment.

Border Patrol agents from the San Diego Sector stopped a silver SUV at the Border Patrols Interstate 15 North immigration checkpoint in Temecula at around 1:50 p.m. on June 4, and after a “brief interview,” requested assistance from a K-9 unit.

After the K-9 alerted to the possible presence of narcotics, an “in-depth” physical examination revealed 40 bundles hidden within an aftermarket motorized compartment in the roof.

The contents of the bundles, which weighed a total of 104 pounds, tested positive for cocaine. The full load carried an estimated street value of $708,000.

The vehicle was seized by Border Patrol. Homeland Security Investigations took custody of the cocaine and the driver, a U.S. citizen. The case was referred to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California, on federal charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute.

“Drug smugglers are often resourceful, but our dedicated agents are always watching,” said San Diego Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker. “Our agents are the best of the best, and we remain resolute in our mission to keep communities safe.”