Three narcotic interdictions by US CBP Officers at Calexico Port of Entry result in over $2 million in hard narcotics seized
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBP) at the Area Port of Calexico prevented the trafficking of fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine in a series of three seizures from Feb. 16-19. The estimated street value of all narcotics seized by CBP is $2,176,728.
“Excellent work by our CBP officers this past week,” said Roque Caza, Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico. “We will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners to thwart the flow of illicit drugs. Together we can make a difference in combatting this dangerous drug that is ravaging communities across the globe.”
One incident occurred Feb. 16 at approximately 5:57 p.m., CBP officers encountered a 68-year-old man driving a commercial tractor-trailer towing a hopper tanker. The driver, a valid border crossing card holder, was referred for further examination by CBP officers along with the tractor-trailer after system queries revealed the tanker was not listed in the shipment manifest.
In the secondary inspection area, a CBP K-9 unit screened the trailer and alerted officers to examine the trailer more closely. Officers then used non-intrusive scanning technology to discover several anomalies concealed throughout the hopper of the trailer.
Upon further examination, CBP officers discovered and extracted a total of 427 suspicious packages from a non-factory compartment. The contents of the packages were tested and identified as methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1,551,528 with a weight of 861.96 pounds.
Another incident occurred Feb. 18 at approximately 2:21 a.m., CBP officers at the Calexico West POE encountered a 30-year-old man driving a white 2013 sedan applying for entry into the United States. A CBP officer referred the driver and vehicle for further examination.
CBP Officers screened the vehicle with non-intrusive technology. Anomalies were reported in the vehicles doors. A CBP K-9 unit responded to the scene and alerted to the presence of narcotics.
CBP officers extracted 12 packages concealed within the doors. The contents of the packages were tested and identified as fentanyl with a total weight of 28.3 pounds with an estimated street value of $385,200.
Later that day, at approximately 5:42 p.m. CBP officers encountered a 24-year-old woman applying for entry into the United States at the Calexico West Port-pedestrian crossing and was referred for further examination.
CBP officers observed an unusually large object bulging from the traveler’s shirt. A CBP K-9 unit responded to the scene and alerted to the presence of narcotics.
Upon further examination, CBP officers discovered and extracted a single large package concealed underneath the traveler’s shirt. The contents of the package were tested and identified as fentanyl. The package contained approximately 24,000 pills, with a total weight of 5.29 pounds with an estimated street value of $240,000.
