San Diego, November 25, 2025
U.S. Border Patrol agents in San Diego intercepted a significant drug smuggling attempt on November 19, seizing over 22 pounds of narcotics valued at nearly $192,000. The drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, were discovered hidden in child booster seats during a routine vehicle stop on Interstate 5. The driver, a Mexican national, was arrested and faces serious charges related to drug trafficking. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of drug smuggling and the innovative methods used by traffickers to evade detection.
San Diego Border Patrol Seizes Over $190K Worth of Narcotics Hidden in Child Booster Seats
San Diego, CA – On November 19, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents in San Diego intercepted a significant drug smuggling attempt involving child booster seats. The operation led to the seizure of over 22 pounds of narcotics, valued at nearly $192,000, and the arrest of a Mexican national.
Details of the Seizure
At approximately 7 p.m., agents from the San Clemente Border Patrol Station stopped a vehicle traveling north on Interstate 5 near the Basilone Road exit. A Border Patrol canine alerted agents to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Upon searching the rear compartment, agents discovered 11 packages concealed within two child booster seats. The drugs included:
- Fentanyl: Seven packages weighing over 16 pounds, valued at approximately $138,700.
- Cocaine: Two packages weighing nearly five pounds, valued at about $41,800.
- Heroin: Two packages weighing over one pound, valued at roughly $11,400.
The driver, identified as a Mexican national, along with the narcotics and the vehicle, were transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for further processing. The driver faces charges related to the sale and importation of a controlled substance.
Statement from Authorities
San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre commented on the incident, stating that the discovery of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin hidden within child car seats is a disturbing reminder that these foreign terrorist organizations will go to great lengths to get their products into our country and our communities. He emphasized the commitment of Border Patrol agents to prevent dangerous drugs from reaching American communities.
Background Context
This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to combat drug smuggling in the San Diego region. In previous operations, agents have intercepted significant quantities of narcotics hidden in various compartments, including child booster seats. Recent statistics indicate that drug trafficking in this manner remains a persistent issue as smugglers continually devise new strategies to avoid detection.
For instance, in June 2022, agents seized 26.9 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at $60,000, concealed in child booster seats at a checkpoint in Murrieta, California. Such incidents underscore the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing the illicit flow of drugs into the United States and highlight the innovative methods employed by smugglers that test the limits of detection capabilities.
Related Articles
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FAQ
What drugs were found in the child booster seats?
The drugs included fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, with a combined weight of over 22 pounds and a value of nearly $192,000.
Who was arrested in connection with this incident?
The driver, a Mexican national, was arrested and faces charges related to the sale and importation of a controlled substance.
What is the significance of this seizure?
This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to combat drug smuggling in the San Diego region and the innovative methods employed by smugglers to evade detection.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Seizure | November 19, 2025 |
| Location | Interstate 5 near Basilone Road exit, San Diego County |
| Drugs Seized | Fentanyl, cocaine, heroin |
| Weight of Narcotics | Over 22 pounds |
| Estimated Value | Nearly $192,000 |
| Arrested Individual | Mexican national |
| Charges | Sale and importation of a controlled substance |
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