Border patrol agents seized nearly 5 pounds of fentanyl from two suspected drug smugglers who were fleeing from authorities in San Diego County last week.
The incident occurred on Thursday, Dec. 5, as a man driving a sedan approached the Border Patrol Immigration Checkpoint on Interstate 8 near Pine Valley, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials stated.
“After a short pursuit by agents, the driver of the vehicle lost control resulting in a single-vehicle accident near East Willows Road on I-8,” CBP stated.
Two unidentified suspects were arrested by agents after attempting to flee their vehicle on foot.
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San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents found 4.73 pounds of fentanyl in a car that fled from the I-8 checkpoint on Dec. 5, 2024. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
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After fleeing from the checkpoint, the driver of this sedan lost control of the vehicle and crashed on I-8 on Dec. 5, 2024. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
As the suspects were being treated for their injuries, agents discovered eight plastic-wrapped packages inside the vehicle consistent with that of smuggled narcotics.
“At the checkpoint, the contents of the packages were tested and proved positive for fentanyl. The total weight of the fentanyl pills was 4.73 pounds,” CBP stated.
The suspects were later transported to a hospital for treatment of their injuries, which were described as minor.
Both are being federally prosecuted, the CBP stated.
“Just another example of how dangerous it is to run from law enforcement. Not only did these suspected drug smugglers put their own welfare at risk, but also endangered other motorists on the roadway,” San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel said. “Our agents work tirelessly to protect the public and keep dangerous narcotics off the streets.”
To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol contact 911 or the San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.
