click for hi-res Agents discovered a non-factory compartment in the SUV’s rear cargo deck.

Temecula, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents working near the Interstate 15 checkpoint thwarted a narcotics smuggling attempt yesterday resulting in the seizure of more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., agents stopped a 20-year-old male United States citizen driving a black 2006 Hummer H3 and his 21-year-old male United States citizen passenger as they arrived at the checkpoint. During inspection, agents became suspicious of the men’s nervous demeanor and referred them for a secondary inspection.

click for hi-res Inside of the hidden compartment, agents found 20 bundles of illegal narcotics.

A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory compartment in the rear cargo deck concealing a total of 20 bundles of methamphetamine.

The narcotics weighed a total 30.87 pounds and had an estimated street value of $617,400. The suspected smugglers and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The Hummer H3 was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

	click for hi-res A total of 30.87 pounds of methamphetamine was seized worth an estimated $617,400.

To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.