CBP: Smugglers Hiding Pounds Of Fentanyl, Cocaine Inside Car Batteries In San Diego

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports agents increasingly finding narcotics concealed inside vehicle batteries in the San Diego sector. A recent San Diego County stop uncovered drugs hidden in a car battery; CBP says similar seizures between April and August 2025 include fentanyl, meth and cocaine. The tactic is complicating inspections along the I-5 corridor and prompting increased use of roving patrols, canine teams and secondary inspections.