The discovery highlights the ongoing challenge faced by federal agents in combating increasingly creative smuggling techniques employed by drug cartels.
SAN DIEGO — Border Patrol agents in San Diego County have reported a new trend in drug smuggling operations, with cartels using fake car batteries to conceal narcotics. In the past four months, agents have discovered this method four times, intercepting cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl hidden inside what appear to be normal, operating car batteries.
“Yeah, it’s pretty wild,” said Border Patrol Agent Joseph Rood.
The discovery highlights the ongoing challenge faced by federal agents in combating increasingly creative smuggling techniques employed by drug cartels. This latest method adds to a growing list of concealment strategies observed by Border Patrol.
“We’ve seen all types of concealment methods, including using spare tires, baby car seats, makeshift compartments, things of those nature,” said Rood.
The San Diego Sector has seen a significant increase in drug seizures, with Agent Rood noting, “We’ve definitely seen an increase in narcotics smuggling here in San Diego Sector. Right now, we’re kind of on track to break our previous records for both cocaine and methamphetamine seizures for the fiscal year.”
While immigration enforcement remains the primary function of Border Patrol, agents have found themselves with more time to focus on drug interdiction due to a decrease in migrant processing at the border.
“We’re able to conduct enforcement operations much more effectively, and we have more agents on the ground doing the jobs that we’re supposed to do,” said Rood.
The current administration has prioritized the fight against drug trafficking, with Border Patrol treating these operations as serious national security threats.
“These narcotics smuggling organizations are considered by our government to be foreign terrorist organizations, and we’re definitely putting our priority on stopping foreign terrorism threats in our country,” Rood explained.
Recent discoveries, such as an elaborate tunnel with lighting, ventilation, and a railcar system found under the border a few months ago, demonstrate the lengths to which smugglers will go to transport drugs into the United States.
In response to these ongoing challenges, Border Patrol agents have a clear message for those involved in drug trafficking. “We are diligent, we are vigilant, and we will find you,” said Rood.