Border Patrol agents detected suspicious activity by a man they stopped at an Interstate 5 checkpoint who may have been posing as a U.S. citizen while smuggling narcotics. Upon inspection of the vehicle, agents discovered and seized over $870,000 worth of cocaine being smuggled into the U.S. within the SUV.
Suspicious activity from the driver of the Buick Rendezvous alerted the border patrol agent that stopped the vehicle at the San Clemente freeway checkpoint. The Orange County Register referenced a U.S. Border Patrol statement that reported the 23-year-old driver exhibited suspicious behavior, averting eye contact and silently handing over a U.S. Passport when asked about his citizenship. The agent reportedly suspected the man was an imposter.
A K-9 assisted in discovering the 67.57 pounds of cocaine hidden within the rear bumper of the vehicle. The street value of the drugs has been estimated at $878,410 according to authorities.
The man was reportedly turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the vehicle confiscated by Border Patrol.
Follow Michelle Moons on Twitter @MichelleDiana.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.