Border Patrol seizes truck with 761 pounds of liquid methamphetamine in California

This Saturday, the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Michael W. Banks, announced a 761-pound seizure of liquid methamphetamine.

On his X account, Banks noted that Border Patrol (USBP) agents in the San Diego, California, sector achieved one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in the past two years by seizing 761 pounds (approximately 340 kilograms) of liquid methamphetamine concealed in the fuel tanks of an 18-wheeler.

The incident, which took place on April 8 on Interstate 215, began around 6:40 p.m. when officers from the Newton-Azrak station stopped a semitrailer truck traveling northbound in Murrieta.

According to official information, the driver exhibited nervous behavior and offered an inconsistent story, which raised suspicion. Officers requested the assistance of a canine unit, whose dog alerted to the possible presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

Further inspection revealed anomalies in the diesel tanks, including hidden compartments specially designed for smuggling.

After moving the truck and driver to a Border Patrol station, agents, with support from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) personnel and specialized hazardous materials teams, removed 22 five-gallon buckets filled with liquid methamphetamine.

The substance, with an estimated street value of $684,900, was confirmed as methamphetamine following tests conducted at the scene.

The driver, whose identity has not been released, faces federal charges of possession with intent to distribute the substance, under Title 21 U.S.C. Section 841.

San Diego Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker noted, "Foreign terrorist organizations will use every trick in the book to get their drugs into the country.” He added, "The agents of San Diego Sector are the best in the business and will continue to target, interdict, and dismantle these organizations.”