Border Patrol seizes nearly $10M in cocaine during back-to-back California stops

US Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,435 pounds of suspected cocaine, valued at $9.8 million, during two vehicle inspections at a Southern California checkpoint. The seizures, made just three minutes apart, highlight the checkpoint’s role in intercepting suspected drug shipments.

On 25 October, agents at the San Clemente checkpoint referred two vehicles for further inspection after noticing suspicious behaviour, including one driver trying to reverse out. A canine alerted to both vehicles, where agents found 550 vacuum-sealed packages in black bags; field tests indicated cocaine. Both drivers were arrested, and the DEA took custody of them and the suspected drugs pending federal prosecution.