In a significant operation at the California-Mexico border, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized over $300,000 worth of narcotics in two separate incidents. These busts underscore the persistent efforts by smugglers to bring drugs into the United States, even as illegal border crossings have significantly decreased.
Details of the Seizures
On May 17, at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, CBP agents referred a 2013 Honda Civic for secondary inspection. Utilizing advanced imaging technology, officers detected anomalies in the vehicle’s firewall, leading to the discovery of six packages of white fentanyl powder valued at approximately $113,600, along with 8.4 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $161,600.
On the same day, at the Calexico East Port of Entry, about 100 miles away, a 2011 Nissan Cube was also subjected to secondary inspection. Officers found 63 packets of methamphetamine after detecting irregularities in the vehicle’s flooring.
Ongoing Vigilance
San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki commended the officers’ dedication, stating, “Sunday may be a day of rest for many, but criminals don’t take days off, and neither do our CBP officers.” The agency emphasized that these seizures are part of ongoing efforts to prevent dangerous drugs from entering the country.
Despite a significant drop in illegal border crossings—from over 144,000 encounters in December 2024 to just 10,000 in April—CBP continues to face high-profile smuggling attempts. These include attempts to smuggle weapons, narcotics, and even human trafficking cases.
CBP’s operations are seen as a continuation of strategies implemented during President Donald Trump’s administration, with current efforts led by DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The agency remains committed to stopping illegal activities while facilitating lawful entry for millions of legitimate travelers.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
