SAN DIEGO: One person was arrested and more than $312,000 worth of white heroin was seized here the other day near the San Clemente checkpoint north of Oceanside, Border Patrol reported.
The drugs were discovered about 3:15 p.m. when San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents stopped a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban as the vehicle was traveling just north of the checkpoint, according to Public Affairs Officer Payam Tanaomi.
A Border Patrol K-9 unit was used to sniff the vehicle, resulting in a positive alert.
“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered 12 plastic wrapped packages in a black bag on the back seat that contained 16 pounds of heroin,” Tanaomi said.
The estimated street value of the heroin was $312,094, he said.
The driver of the Suburban, a male U.S. citizen, was arrested.
Both the alleged smuggler and the drugs were transferred to the custody of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
