In a substantial sting, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Diego Field Office ports of entry intercepted a staggering $9 million in narcotics. According to a CBP report, the crackdown happened between Feb. 19 and Feb. 25, snagging 554 pounds of cocaine, 229 pounds of fentanyl, and 1,650 pounds of methamphetamine in 42 smuggling attempts.

"CBP is stemming the tide of these transnational criminal organizations by bolstering binational cooperation, sharing intelligence, and strengthening law enforcement efforts," Sidney Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations for San Diego, told the press. With a robust enforcement posture, the CBP is surely preventing these dangerous drugs from reaching our communities, as Aki stated. Arrests were made, and the offenders were handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for the necessary follow-ups.

The slew of narcotics, valued at around $9,119,500, is attributed to the diligent efforts of Operation Apollo – a joint task force operation with federal, state, and local agencies working in concert to battle the fentanyl peril and other illicit synthetic drugs. The operations also led to the confiscation of vehicles used in the drug-smuggling attempts.

Spanning several strategic ports of entry, the San Diego Field Office extends its reach from San Ysidro to Otay Mesa and beyond to the air and seaports of San Diego, wrapping its protection around the borders at Calexico East and West, Tecate, and Andrade. These stations formed the backdrop to Operation Apollo's remarkable week, currently continuing its aggressive campaign against drug smuggling.