San Diego County, CA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents seized more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine Sunday afternoon in an alleged drug smuggling attempt near the Mexican border, authorities confirmed.
Meth Found Concealed in Spare Tire
Agents discovered 52.36 pounds of methamphetamine allegedly hidden inside the spare tire of a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle (UTV), officials said. The narcotics were packaged in 51 separate bundles, which were later confirmed to contain methamphetamine.
The seizure occurred near Boulevard, a rural high desert area in southeastern San Diego County as per KTLA. At around noon on Sunday, agents reportedly observed a person climbing over the border wall before entering a UTV and traveling north on Jewel Valley Road.
Suspects in Custody
The driver of the UTV was identified as a U.S. citizen, while the passenger was a Mexican national with a valid visa, authorities said.
A K-9 unit conducted a search of the UTV, detecting the presence of illegal narcotics. Following the search, both individuals were taken into custody by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the vehicle and methamphetamine were seized.
Investigative and Safety Notes
Officials noted that drug smuggling along remote border areas remains a significant public safety concern. Law enforcement urges the public to report suspicious activity near border regions to help prevent the illegal transport of dangerous substances.
How Law Enforcement Handles Border Narcotics
- Observation and surveillance – Agents monitor known smuggling routes for suspicious activity.
- Vehicle and cargo inspections – K-9 units and other detection tools help locate concealed narcotics.
- Apprehension and seizure – Suspects and illegal drugs are taken into custody to prevent distribution.
- Collaboration – CBP works with the DEA, FBI, and other federal agencies to investigate and prosecute smuggling operations.
Border and public safety officials emphasize that methamphetamine smuggling poses serious risks to communities, including addiction, violence, and criminal activity.
Have you ever witnessed suspicius activity near border areas? Share your observations or safety tips in the comments to help raise awareness.
