Border Patrol agents discovered more than 128 pounds of fentanyl concealed inside the frame of a seemingly empty flatbed trailer at a freeway checkpoint in San Diego County, officials said.
The bust took place June 27 during a checkpoint held along the 8 Freeway in Pine Valley and “represented one of San Diego Sector’s largest fentanyl seizures to date,” according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection statement.
Agents directed a pickup truck hauling an empty flatbed trailer to a second inspection area, officials said.
“After a Border Patrol K-9 alerted agents to the probable presence of narcotics, agents conducted a search and discovered packages concealed in the trailer’s frame,” the statement said.
A total of 42 bundles of fentanyl pills, weighing 128.7 pounds and with an estimated street value of $758,000, were seized from hidden compartments in the trailer, CBP officials said.
The driver, described as a Mexican citizen, was arrested and has since been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
CBP San Diego Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker said he was glad agents were able to remove such a significant amount of fentanyl from circulation.
“This seizure demonstrates the Border Patrol’s role in protecting American communities,” he said. “Fentanyl is lethal in even tiny amounts, and intercepting such a large quantity saved countless lives across the country.”
Previous drug seizure in CBP’s San Diego Sector for fiscal year 2025 amounted to 326 pounds of fentanyl, 2,396 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,586 pounds of cocaine, and 56 pounds of heroin, according to the agency.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 128 pounds of fentanyl found hidden in frame of flatbed trailer at San Diego Co. checkpoint
Reporting by Brian Day, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
