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NewsKTLA 5 — CaliforniaOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County

U.S. Border Patrol seizes over 51 pounds of suspected fentanyl on Interstate 15

Photo: KTLA 5 — California

U.S. Border Patrol agents seized more than 51 pounds of suspected fentanyl from a vehicle along Interstate 15 this month. The driver and the narcotics were transferred to the Drug Enforcement Administration for criminal prosecution following a K-9 alert and vehicle search.

Law EnforcementPublic Safety
Read the full story at KTLA 5 — California

Why It Matters

Law enforcement intercepted a significant quantity of suspected illicit drugs intended for local transport, leading to a federal criminal referral for the driver.

Key Facts

  • U.S. Border Patrol agents seized more than 51 pounds of suspected fentanyl during anti-smuggling operations along Interstate 15.
  • A Honda vehicle was intercepted after exiting at Mission Road, turning around, and stopping in southbound lanes.
  • A Border Patrol K-9 unit alerted to the vehicle, leading to a search that revealed a duffel bag with 22 bundles of suspected narcotics.
  • The seized bundles weighed a total of 51.9 pounds, with preliminary testing indicating the presence of fentanyl.
  • The driver and the seized materials were taken to the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station in Murrieta for initial processing.
  • The suspect and narcotics were subsequently transferred to the Drug Enforcement Administration for criminal prosecution.

Who's Mentioned

PersonJustin De La Torre“Chief patrol agent for U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector”locationMurrieta“City where the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station is located”OrganizationNewton-Azrak Border Patrol Station“Facility in Murrieta where the driver and narcotics were transported for process”locationMission Road“Exit near where the vehicle turned around and stopped”OrganizationDrug Enforcement Administration“Federal agency that received the driver and suspected narcotics for criminal pro”OrganizationU.S. Border Patrol“Conducted the operation and seized the narcotics”OrganizationSan Diego Sector“Border Patrol sector that encountered the vehicle”locationInterstate 15“Location where anti-smuggling operations and vehicle interception occurred”