Border patrol seizes nearly $10M in cocaine after driver attempts to reverse out of checkpoint

US Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,435 pounds of suspected cocaine, valued at $9.8 million, during two inspections at a Southern California checkpoint. The seizures, three minutes apart, highlight the checkpoint’s role in intercepting drug shipments along the I-5 corridor.

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