Border Patrol Seizes 761 Pounds of Liquid Meth Hidden in Truck Fuel Tanks

In what authorities are calling the largest methamphetamine seizure in two years for the San Diego Sector, U.S. Border Patrol agents intercepted a semi-truck carrying 761 pounds of liquid meth hidden inside modified diesel tanks. The bust occurred Tuesday evening in Murrieta, California, during a traffic stop on Interstate 215, when a K-9 unit alerted to possible narcotics. The subsequent search led agents to the concealed drugs, valued at nearly $685,000 on the street.

The vehicle was stopped at approximately 6:40 p.m. by agents from the Newton-Azrak station. After the canine’s alert, further examination of the truck revealed irregularities in the vehicle’s fuel tanks. Agents transported the vehicle, its driver, and the suspicious fluid to a Border Patrol station for more thorough inspection. Testing confirmed the presence of liquid methamphetamine stored in aftermarket compartments within both fuel tanks.

Authorities extracted the drugs with the help of Homeland Security Investigations and hazmat personnel, ultimately recovering 22 five-gallon buckets of the narcotic. The driver of the truck was taken into custody and now faces federal charges under Title 21, U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1) for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The truck was also seized as evidence.

This seizure significantly exceeds the sector’s previous methamphetamine totals for fiscal year 2025, which had reached only 347 pounds before this incident. In addition to meth, the San Diego Sector has also intercepted over 1,400 pounds of cocaine, 177 pounds of fentanyl, and 19 pounds of heroin this fiscal year. Officials emphasized the continued vigilance along transit corridors far from the immediate border, as traffickers attempt to move contraband further into the country.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a U.S. Border Patrol press release

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