U.S Border Patrol |MURRIETA, Calif. | 04/11/2025
U.S. Border Patrol agents in the San Diego Sector made a record-breaking methamphetamine seizure Tuesday evening, uncovering 761 pounds of liquid meth hidden inside a tractor-trailer’s fuel tanks. The discovery marks the largest single meth seizure in the sector in the past two years.
K-9 Unit Alerts Agents During Routine Stop
At approximately 6:40 p.m., agents from the Newton-Azrak station stopped a semitruck traveling northbound on Interstate 215 in Murrieta. A K-9 unit was deployed to assist in the search and quickly alerted officers to the possible presence of concealed narcotics.
Upon inspection, agents found inconsistencies in the truck’s diesel tanks and transported the vehicle, its driver, and the suspicious substance to the nearest Border Patrol station for further investigation.
Meth Confirmed in Fuel Tank Compartments
Further examination revealed that both fuel tanks had been modified to include aftermarket compartments. The fluid within these compartments tested positive for methamphetamine. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and hazmat teams assisted in safely extracting the narcotics.
In total, 22 five-gallon buckets of liquid meth were recovered from the vehicle. The haul weighed 761 pounds and is estimated to have a street value of $684,900.
Driver Faces Federal Drug Charges
The driver was taken into custody and turned over to HSI for further prosecution. He faces charges under Title 21, U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1) for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The truck has also been seized by authorities.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Synthetic Drug Trafficking
“This bust sends a clear message,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker. “Foreign terrorist organizations will use every trick in the book to get their drugs into the country. Our agents are the best in the business and remain committed to dismantling these networks.”
So far in fiscal year 2025, the San Diego Sector has seized 347 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,415 pounds of cocaine, 177 pounds of fentanyl, and 19 pounds of heroin.
Public Assistance Encouraged
The U.S. Border Patrol continues to maintain high vigilance along border exit routes to intercept illicit trafficking. Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity by contacting 911 or calling the San Diego Sector directly at (619) 498-9900.
