California CBP officers seize 842 pounds of illicit narcotics over separate incidents

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at various ports of entry along the California-Mexico international border recently seized more than 842 pounds of various narcotics over a series of incidents.

From Nov. 9. through Nov. 12., CBP agents intercepted 15 different shipments involving illicit fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. In total, the estimated value of the seizures were more than $8.3 million on the street.

In one notable incident on Nov. 11, officers assigned to the San Ysidro Port of Entry encountered a 1999 Ford Expedition SUV driven by a 53-year old Mexican citizen and B1/B2 visa holder.

After referring the man for a secondary inspection, a narcotics-detection canine unit alerted officers to suspicious activity emanating from within the vehicle’s floor compartments. The officers then discovered ten plastic-wrapped packages of fentanyl, weighing a combined 23 pounds.

A day later, San Ysidro CBP officers encountered a 1995 commercial bus driven by a 56-year old Mexican citizen and B1/B2 visa holder. As officers conducted routine port inspections, they observed some discrepancies within the bus’ gas tank. The officers soon discovered 78 plastic-wrapped packages of cocaine, which weighed a combined 382 pounds.

“CBP officers assist in facilitating lawful trade and travel 24 hours a day 7 days a week,” CBP’s San Diego Director of Field Operations Pete Flores said. “Apprehensions such as these showcase the determination and vigilance CBP officers exude while protecting America’s borders.”

All persons involved in the smuggling incidents were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations unit for criminal processing. All vehicles and drugs were seized by CBP.