U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stationed along various ports of entry in southern California recently seized more than 540 pounds of illicit narcotics over a series of incidents throughout the weekend.
In total, agents seized more than 372 pounds of methamphetamine, 120 pounds of marijuana, 66 pounds of fentanyl, and 52 pounds of cocaine in a period lasting from June 9-11. The seized narcotics were valued at over $2.5 million.
In one incident, officers stationed at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego encountered a Nissan Pathfinder SUV driven by a 52-year old female Mexican citizen with a 17-year old U.S. citizen as a passenger. After a brief round of questioning, the vehicle was referred for a secondary inspection.
From there, officers discovered 13 wrapped packages of methamphetamine and eight packages of cocaine all concealed within a duffel bag in the vehicle’s passenger seat. The packages weighed 52 pounds and carried an approximate street value of $642,000. Both the driver and passenger were detained for processing.
In another incident, agents assigned to the Calexico Port of Entry encountered a 36-year old female who was applying for entry into the United States. During routine questioning, one officer noticed a nervousness with each answer the woman gave, and subsequently escorted her for a physical examination.
After a thorough search, officers were able to discover two packages of methamphetamine concealed within the woman’s body cavity, which weighed approximately a half a pound.
“CBP officers maintain a strong work ethic and are committed to combatting drug trafficking at our ports of entry,” CBP San Diego Director of Field Operations Pete Flores said. “The drug trafficking organizations attempt to deceive us but we remain vigilant and will continue to apprehend those who attempt entry with contraband.”