SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a man on Thursday who was smuggling half-a-million dollars’ worth of cocaine while traveling with his wife and infant son.

Agents approached the couple and asked for consent to search their vehicle. The man agreed and agents discovered a duffel bag in the car trunk that contained 20 brick-shaped packages of cocaine. Agents also discovered an additional package of cocaine tucked inside a shopping bag near the infant’s car seat.

The 21 bundles of cocaine weighed 51.25 pounds and have an estimated street value of $512,500.

Agents discover 21 packages of

cocaine inside car.

While the driver was being questioned, his wife indicated she needed to use the restroom and she went into the shopping center with her infant. They did not return and agents later located them a quarter mile away. All three individuals were taken to a nearby Border Patrol station for further investigation.

The driver, a 34-year-old U.S. citizen, was later placed under arrest. He and the narcotics were turned over to the Orange County Drug Enforcement Administration office. The mother and infant were released. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

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.