A six-hour manhunt at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California ended with the arrests of two suspects who breached the installation during a police pursuit and abandoned a vehicle carrying more than 112 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl, authorities said.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) said the “high-stakes” incident began when two suspects fleeing local law enforcement crashed through a gate at the base.
The suspects then abandoned their vehicle in a military housing area and fled on foot, according to NCIS.
The breach prompted a temporary shelter-in-place order as authorities worked to secure the installation.
NCIS said a multi-agency search involving approximately 30 personnel was launched to locate the suspects.
For six hours, military and law enforcement personnel searched the sprawling base using real-time intelligence and tracking support from the NCIS Multiple Threat Alert Center and Regional Enforcement Action Capabilities Team.
Authorities said both suspects were ultimately taken into custody without incident.
Investigators later discovered approximately 51 kilograms — more than 112 pounds — of cocaine and fentanyl inside the suspects’ vehicle, according to NCIS.
“Thanks to NCIS personnel, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, CA, Camp Pendleton Provost Marshal’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration – DEA, US Border Patrol, and other responding agencies, for your seamless teamwork and dedication to keeping our military installations safe!” NCIS posted on social media.
Officials did not immediately release the identities of the suspects or announce what charges they may face.
