United States v. Hector Soto-Zuniga

OPINION

GOULD, Circuit Judge:

Hector Soto-Zuniga appeals his jury conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Soto-Zuniga was arrested at a checkpoint in San Clemente, California, after Border Patrol agents found 2.9 kilograms of methamphetamine on the floor of the backseat of his car during a search. Before the first trial, which ultimately resulted in a hung jury and a mistrial, Soto-Zuniga filed motions to suppress the drug evidence. In one of the motions he argued that the checkpoint was unconstitutional and requested discovery…