U.S. Customs and Border Protection
San Diego, California – San Diego-area U.S. Border Patrol agents uncovered a large narcotics smuggling effort when they found multiple packages of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin hidden inside two child booster seats. The discovery was made on the night of November 19 near the Basilone Road exit on Interstate 5 when agents from the San Clemente Border Patrol Station stopped a vehicle traveling north.
A canine unit alerted officers to the presence of contraband in the vehicle’s rear compartment, leading to a search that uncovered 11 drug packages concealed in two child booster seats. Weights and values of the seizures are substantial: more than 16 pounds of fentanyl worth approximately $138,700, nearly five pounds of cocaine valued at about $41,800, and over one pound of heroin totaling roughly $11,400. The total estimated value approaches $190,000.
The driver, identified as a Mexican national, was taken into custody along with the vehicle and narcotics for processing. San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre described the seizure as a disturbing reminder of how far criminal networks will go to move deadly drugs into American communities. He said his agents confront these sophisticated smuggling methods daily.
The driver now faces charges tied to the sale and importation of a controlled substance. The case also underscores the evolving tactics of drug traffickers, who are increasingly using creative concealment methods—including child booster seats—to evade detection by law enforcement. Authorities continue to monitor major travel routes north of the U.S.–Mexico border and urge the public to report suspicious activity.
