The U.S. Border Patrol’s San Diego Sector has identified a new smuggling tactic: hiding narcotics inside car batteries. In recent months, agents have intercepted several shipments using this method.
On August 20, Border Patrol agents, working with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, stopped a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling north on Interstate 5 in Carlsbad. Inside the vehicle’s battery, officers discovered 9.25 pounds of cocaine and 2.1 pounds of methamphetamine.
The suspect and the drugs were handed over to the Vista Sheriff’s station for further processing.
Other Cases This Year
Earlier incidents in 2025 included:
- April 14: 32.8 pounds of fentanyl
- July 24: 4.85 pounds of fentanyl
- July 28: 16.2 pounds of fentanyl and $1,000 in cash
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker highlighted the increasing sophistication of smuggling methods:
“As we continue to maintain and expand operational control of the southern border, smugglers are going to great lengths to push dangerous drugs into this country. The Border Patrol is using every resource available to dismantle the criminal networks that threaten American communities. I am deeply proud of the work our agents do every day.”
Fiscal Year Seizures
So far this fiscal year, the San Diego Sector has seized:
- 10,696 pounds of methamphetamine
- 2,751 pounds of cocaine
- 521 pounds of fentanyl
- 56 pounds of heroin
Authorities emphasized that Border Patrol will continue using all available tools to fight drug trafficking and protect communities across California and the United States.
