CBP seized over $880,000 worth of narcotics and firearms at border
San Diego, California – Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made a significant seizure of drugs and guns on Wednesday, March 6, at the San Ysidro port of entry, highlighting the relentless efforts of officers to curb the entry of illicit substances and weapons into the United States.
A Routine Inspection Leads to a Major Find
The operation began when CBP officers, during a routine inspection around 10:40 PM on March 4, encountered a 38-year-old woman driving a 2019 SUV attempting to enter the United States from Mexico. The initial inspection revealed several suspicious packages hidden behind the rear seats, prompting officers to call for additional assistance and conduct a thorough examination of the vehicle.
Using X-ray imaging technology, CBP officers detected anomalies in various parts of the vehicle, including the firewall, rear seats, spare tire, and trunk. A subsequent investigation by a K9 unit confirmed the presence of narcotics within the SUV. Officers were able to extract a total of 103 packages containing methamphetamines, blue fentanyl pills, cocaine, heroin, and three handguns. The combined weight of the narcotics was 126.4 pounds, with an estimated street value of $885,460.
Mariza Marin, Port Director of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, praised the efforts of the CBP officers, stating, “Another outstanding interdiction by our CBP officers. Our officers inspect over 100,000 travelers each day, balancing the need to efficiently process legitimate trade and travel with the ability to intercept illicit goods and narcotics. This seizure is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”
Following the discovery, the driver was taken into custody by Homeland Security for further investigation, while the seized narcotics and firearms were taken by Customs and Border Protection. This operation underscores the critical role of CBP officers in protecting the nation’s borders and the communities within from the dangers posed by illegal drugs and weapons trafficking.
