More Than 280 Pounds of Narcotics Seized by Customs and Border Protection Officers

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the ports of entry in the San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties intercepted two major narcotic smuggling attempts over the weekend, preventing more than 280 pounds of dangerous drugs from entering the United States from Mexico.

Total value of the seized narcotics is estimated at more than half a million.

“Narcotic interdiction continues to be a high priority at the San Diego Field Office,” said Anne Maricich, CBP Deputy Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “These significant seizures are just a small aperture of the great work our CBP officers conduct daily.”

The most recent interception occurred on June 19, at approximately 1 p.m., when a 47-year-old male, a valid passport holder, entered the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.  He was driving a 2011 Chevy Equinox and escorted to the secondary inspection area after CBP officers saw packages in the vehicle following an alert from a CBP canine.

CBP officers screened the vehicle utilizing a non-intrusive machine, similar to x-ray, that revealed anomalies in various areas of the vehicle.  Officers inspected the vehicle and found a total of 173 packages, containing methamphetamine, in the doors, quarter panels, and firewall.

The total weight of the packages was 164.29 pounds with an estimated street value of $361,438.

The second smuggling attempt occurred on June 17, at approximately 4 p.m., when a 34-year-old woman, a valid B1/B2 border crossing card holder, entered the U.S. through the Calexico Port of Entry driving a 2007 Ford Fusion.  CBP officers referred the vehicle for a further examination.

During the inspection, CBP officers utilized canine and non-intrusive inspection system, resulting in the discovery of 99 packages, identified as methamphetamine, weighing 122.04 pounds from the vehicle’s doors and gas tank.

The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $219,672.

Both drivers were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations for further processing and booked by local law enforcement.

All narcotics were seized by CBP officers along with the vehicles.

CBP officers at the border crossing in Southern California stop illegal activity while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States.