Cocaine Found In Car's Gas Tank At Checkpoint

TEMECULA, Calif. -- Border Patrol agents discovered over 32 pounds of cocaine Tuesday, concealed in the gas tank compartment of a Mercedes-Benz that was heading northbound on Interstate 15, when it was stopped at the Temecula Border Patrol checkpoint, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

At approximately 10:10 a.m., an agent stopped the vehicle containing a driver and passenger, both Mexican citizens, who were legally traveling within the country, CBP officials said Friday.

The driver stated they were on their way to visit relatives in Rancho Cucamonga. Additional questioning led the agent to direct the driver to secondary inspection.

A subsequent Border Patrol K-9 inspection prompted agents to search the vehicle.

Eleven plastic wrapped and vacuum sealed bundles of cocaine were found in the vehicle’s gas tank, CBP officials said.

According to the news release, the total weight of the cocaine was 32.95 lbs, with a street value of approximately $1,054,400. The subjects and the contraband were turned over to Riverside Immigration and Customs Enforcement.