BP finds drugs hidden in car battery

U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a man suspected of smuggling drugs last Friday morning, according to Customs and Border Protection.

Last, at approximately 8 a.m., when a silver Honda Accord with two occupants approached the U.S. Border Patrol immigration checkpoint on Interstate 8.

During initial inspection, a Border Patrol canine alerted to the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was instructed to pull into secondary for further inspection.

In secondary inspection, border patrol agents said they questioned the driver as to his citizenship. He stated he was a United States citizen. Traveling with the driver was his 15-year-old son.

The driver and son were asked to exit the vehicle in order for agents to perform a thorough inspection. Agents noticed anomalies with the vehicle’s battery and removed it for closer inspection. Agents discovered that there was a small compartment within the battery, where four vacuum sealed packages were hidden.

The packages were removed, tested and proved positive for the characteristics of cocaine.

The packages weighed a total of 10 pounds with an estimated street value of over $130,000.

The man, a 62-year-old U.S. citizen, his vehicle and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

The 15-year-old child was turned over to the custody of his aunt.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900