OC drug chase ends at Camp Pendleton with 112-pound narcotics seizure

Two men were arrested Saturday after a pursuit that began in Orange County ended with them breaching the main gate at Camp Pendleton Marine base, where authorities recovered more than 112 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl from their vehicle, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The incident highlights Orange County's role as a corridor for large-scale drug shipments and raises questions about security at one of the nation's largest military installations after suspects forced their way onto federal property, triggering a lockdown and a 30-person manhunt.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department initiated the pursuit, which carried into San Diego County before the two suspects drove through the main gate at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. The men then abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot into the installation.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for portions of the base as officials worked to locate the suspects. Approximately 30 military and law enforcement personnel took part in the manhunt, which ended six hours later when both men were taken into custody without further incident, the station reported.

Investigators found more than 112 pounds — roughly 51 kilograms — of cocaine and fentanyl inside the suspects' vehicle, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. No injuries were reported during the pursuit or the subsequent search operation.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the DEA, U.S. Border Patrol and the Camp Pendleton Provost Marshal's Office were among the agencies that responded to the scene. NCIS thanked collaborating agencies in a social media statement: "Thanks to NCIS personnel, Orange County Sheriff's Department, Camp Pendleton Provost Marshal's Office, the DEA, U.S. Border Patrol and other responding agencies for your seamless teamwork and dedication to keeping our military installations safe."

The identities of the two arrested men had not been released as of Saturday evening, and officials had not determined which agency would hold primary jurisdiction over the case, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Investigators had not confirmed which agency — federal or military — would take primary jurisdiction over the case as of Saturday evening, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.