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Temecula, Calif. - Yesterday in Temecula, Border Patrol agents arrested a 21-year-old male Mexican national for smuggling 72.5 pounds of cocaine, which was hidden inside the fuel tank of a Ford Explorer.

The seizure took place at 3 p.m., after a vehicle stop of the Ford Explorer on Interstate 15 northbound, near the Temecula Parkway exit. A Border Patrol K-9 alerted on the SUV, prompting agents to conduct a further search of the vehicle at the nearby Border Patrol checkpoint.

During the search, agents found a hidden compartment inside the fuel tank, which is accessible through a trap door underneath the vehicle’s rear seat. Twenty-five packages of cocaine were found inside the hidden compartment.

The cocaine has an estimated street value of $2,321,280.

The suspected smuggler and the illicit narcotics were later turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

To safeguard our country and prevent the smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the Border Patrol maintains a defense-in-depth enforcement posture through interior checkpoints and coordinated enforcement operations. Since October 1, 2008, Border Patrol agents have seized more than 300 pounds of cocaine in San Diego Sector.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.