San Diego border authorities hit a narcotics jackpot when they disrupted a smuggling attempt at the Calexico West Port of Entry. According to a statement acquired by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers seized a significant stash of cocaine and fentanyl from a woman attempting to cross into the United States on Thursday.
Diligent CBP officers and their K-9 partners were conducting routine pre-primary checks when they managed to sniff out once again the scourge of drugs trying to infiltrate our borders. "Narcotics smugglers use elaborate methods to attempt to smuggle their deadly products into our country," Roque Caza, Calexico Area Port Director, told U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Thankfully, their attempts were thwarted this time, Caza explained, as officers made the crucial seizure before these dangerous substances could reach our communities.
It was around 10:30 a.m. when a white SUV driven by a U.S. citizen — whose name has not been released — was targeted after a K-9 alerted to her vehicle. This led to a more in-depth investigation at the secondary inspection area, where an X-ray machine uncovered anomalies within the vehicle's structure.
Hidden within the SUV's fuel tank and oil pan, officers discovered 10 packages that were promptly extracted. Testing confirmed the packages to contain over eight pounds of fentanyl powder and more than five pounds of cocaine. Officers quickly seized the narcotics and vehicle, which they estimated to have a combined value of $171,600. The woman was arrested on the spot and is set to face federal prosecution.
The bust is the latest win for Operation Apollo, a concerted effort by federal, state, and local agencies working together to combat the rising tide of fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics entering the country. For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of this collaborative operation, more information can be found on the CBP's official website.
