U.S. Border Patrol seizes over 51 pounds of fentanyl along I-15 in Murrieta

on October 21, 2026

Murrieta, Calif. —U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to San Diego Sector seized more than 51 pounds of suspected fentanyl during anti-smuggling operations along Interstate 15.

Border Patrol agents conducting anti-smuggling operations along Interstate 15 and encountered a northbound Honda CR-V that exited at Mission Road, turned around, and stopped on its own in the southbound lanes of Interstate 15.

Agents approached the vehicle and during a consensual encounter, a U.S. Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the CR-V. Agents conducted a search and discovered a duffel bag containing 22 bundles of suspected narcotics in the backseat of the vehicle.

The driver and suspected narcotics were transported to the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station for processing. The bundles had a combined weight of approximately 51.9 pounds. Preliminary testing indicated the presence of fentanyl.

U.S. Border Patrol transferred the driver and suspected fentanyl to the Drug Enforcement Administration for criminal prosecution.

“Fentanyl poses a serious threat to our communities, and our agents remain committed to preventing these deadly drugs from reaching our streets,” said Justin M. De La Torre, chief patrol agent for U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector. “This seizure demonstrates the vigilance and professionalism of our agents and the importance of our partnerships in combating the trafficking of dangerous narcotics.”

CBP, alongside its law enforcement partners and as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, is eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, human smuggling, and drug trafficking networks.

Transnational criminal organizations constantly seek to exploit our borders to smuggle illicit drugs, weapons, money, and other contraband. Through the Homeland Security Task Force, CBP and its law enforcement partners are strengthening coordination to better identify threats, target criminal networks, and protect American communities.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on 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.