CBP reports meth, fentanyl seizures on rise

Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) February 2020 operational update indicated rises in meth and fentanyl seizures along the southwest border, as well as a significant tunnel discovery.

“The processing pathways and repatriation initiatives which have been implemented by the administration have had a profound effect on CBP’s ability to gain operational control of our borders,” Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott said. “The Journey is Futile message is resonating with family units, which are at their lowest point since April of 2018. We will continue to utilize every available resource to secure the borders of the United States and keep our communities safe.”

The February analysis showed CBP enforcement on the Southwest border increased by a small percentage as compared to January, officials said, citing an increase in numbers of single adult Mexicans and unaccompanied children.

The report revealed February’s activity represents a 74 percent decrease since the peak of the humanitarian and border security crisis in May 2019 and 52 percent lower than last February.

“As we construct a new Wall System along the southwest border, CBP continues to see the increased smuggling of hard drugs through our ports of entry,” Executive Assistant Commissioner Todd Owen, of CBP’s Office of Field Operations, said. “This month, our seizures of meth are up 66 percent over this time last year.”