Pine Valley, CA — In one of the largest fentanyl busts in recent San Diego County history, U.S. Border Patrol agents seized nearly 129 pounds of fentanyl pills hidden in a flatbed trailer at the Interstate 8 checkpoint in Pine Valley, officials announced Thursday.
The seizure, which took place Friday afternoon, underscores the ongoing danger of fentanyl trafficking across Southern California’s border corridors.
Drug-Sniffing Dog Leads to Major Discovery
Agents became suspicious after a pickup truck towing an empty flatbed trailer was referred to secondary inspection.
A Border Patrol K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting agents to search the vehicle further. Hidden in aftermarket compartments built into the trailer’s frame, they uncovered 42 tightly wrapped bundles.
128.7 Pounds of Fentanyl with Street Value of $758K
Tests confirmed the bundles contained fentanyl pills weighing approximately 128.7 pounds, with a street value estimated at $758,000, according to officials at the Campo Border Patrol Station.
“Fentanyl is lethal in even tiny amounts, and intercepting such a large quantity saved countless lives across the country,”
— Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker
Driver Arrested and Facing Charges
The driver, identified only as a Mexican national, was taken into custody, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has accepted the case for prosecution on possession with intent to distribute charges.
Fentanyl Seizures Continue to Surge in San Diego Sector
This latest bust brings the total fentanyl seized by San Diego agents in 2025 to more than 450 pounds — not including thousands of pounds of meth, cocaine, and heroin also intercepted this year.
According to the Border Patrol:
- Fentanyl: 326 pounds before June
- Methamphetamine: 2,396 pounds
- Cocaine: 2,586 pounds
- Heroin: 56 pounds
The Fentanyl Crisis: A National Threat
With even a few milligrams of fentanyl capable of causing overdose or death, the Border Patrol emphasized the critical role it plays in stopping this deadly drug from flooding American communities.
“This seizure demonstrates the Border Patrol’s role in protecting American communities,” Stalnaker said.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think law enforcement is doing enough to curb fentanyl trafficking? Join the conversation in the comments at ridgecrestpact.org.
