The U.S. Border Patrol intercepted two shipments of hard narcotics this week in San Diego.
The first bust occurred Monday afternoon when a 25-year-old man pulled to the side of the road near the San Clemente Border Patrol checkpoint.
When agents questioned the man, a nearby drug-sniffing dog detected the narcotics in his Chevy Impala. The car was then subjected to a full search and agents discovered a hidden compartment under the back seat.
About 20 pounds of heroin was stashed there, representing a street value of more than $250,000 according to a Border Patrol press release.
The second incident occurred at the Pine Valley Border Patrol checkpoint on Wednesday afternoon.
The driver of a Mazda CX-7 was referred to secondary inspection after refusing to answer what the Border Patrol called "routine questions." These type of questions include inquiries regarding an individual's citizenship status.
A drug-sniffing dog helped agents discover that the Mazda's muffler had been modified.
Upon removing the muffler, agents discovered slightly more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within. Authorities estimate that much methamphetamine could fetch just over $200,000 on the street.
Both drivers were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency where they potentially face federal drug smuggling charges.
