Customs and Border Protection officers manning the San Ysidro Port of Entry from Mexico into California detected $2.8 million worth of fentanyl and methamphetamine in two busts this month.
The first bust came on April 13 when a canine alerted to a Toyota Corolla coming through the rapid inspection lines.
That prompted a scan, which led to an inspection, where officers found inside the vehicle panels more than 14 pounds of fentanyl powder, or enough to make more than 500,000 pills. The value of that shipment was placed at $764,727.
The 22-year-old male Mexican driver was arrested.
Six days later, authorities scanned a Honda Pilot and spotted anomalies in the vehicle’s roof.
Officers then discovered 35 pounds of fentanyl, worth $1.95 million, and 80 pounds of meth, priced at $80,550.
The 27-year-old female Mexican driver was arrested.
“Smugglers use complex techniques to conceal dangerous narcotics like fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Mariza Marin, director of the San Ysidro port, who praised her officers and canine teams. “Their efforts directly prevent these deadly narcotics from reaching our streets and protecting countless lives.”
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott told Congress earlier this month that curtailing illegal immigration at the border has helped the counterdrug mission.
“The reduction in illegal immigration has resulted in tens of thousands, probably hundreds of thousands by now, of increased hours of enforcement time,” he said.
At the ports of entry specifically, he said agents are scanning more incoming traffic, which means they’re able to find more of what’s coming across.
“The percentage of vehicles and baggage and commercial vehicles that we’re inspecting is increasing on a daily basis. And that’s a win for America,” Mr. Scott said.
Overall, the amount of fentanyl seized in CBP’s San Diego field office is down in the current Trump administration compared with the Biden years.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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