San Clemente, Calif.—Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to San Clemente Station’s Commercial Vehicle Interdiction Squad stopped a tractor/trailer found to contain more than 9 tons of marijuana.
Agents encountered a 43-year-old male U.S. citizen at approximately 12:50 p.m., driving a 2006 truck pulling a 53 foot trailer, as he drove through the I-5 checkpoint in San Clemente.
Border Patrol agents questioned the man and directed him to the secondary inspection area. In secondary, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the trailer. The rear doors were opened, revealing multiple pallets stacked with cardboard boxes. One box was opened, and found to contain a green leafy substance which tested positive for marijuana. After unloading the truck, it was found to be fully packed with 218 marijuana-filled boxes. The total weight was approximately 18,458 pounds with an estimated street value of $14,766,448.
San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson said, “Great work, this seizure by our agents helps weaken the transnational criminal organizations who attempt to use our roadways to conduct their illegal activities.”
The driver, tractor/trailer, and marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.
