The hard work and vigilance of CBP officers at the San Diego Field Office have resulted in a significant drug haul worth an estimated $38 million, as reported by customs officials. In May alone, officers confiscated a massive quantity of narcotics, including 4.31 pounds of marijuana, 21.73 pounds of heroin, 913.9 pounds of cocaine, 561.91 pounds of fentanyl, and 16,408.94 pounds of methamphetamine, across 165 separate incidents.

This unprecedented seizure showcases the scale of the drug smuggling problem facing the San Diego region. In a notable effort at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility, officers made the second-largest methamphetamine seizure on record for the San Diego Field Office and the third-largest across the nation. Despite the breadth of drugs intercepted, one, significant bust stands out, as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirms.

Commenting on the successive interceptions, San Diego's CBP Director of Field Operations, Sidney K. Aki, highlighted the critical role of the agency's officers. "These extraordinary efforts stand as a testament to the diligent and exceptional work by our officers," Aki said, as per the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "The interdiction of these drugs not only disrupts criminal networks but also underscores the importance for continued vigilance and collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking."

In response to these smuggling attempts, suspects were arrested and handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further scrutiny. As stated by the CBP, the seizures were the result of intensified campaign initiatives under Operation Apollo. Originating in southern California on October 26, 2023, the program has since been extended to Arizona as of April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo uniquely combines intelligence operations, with concerted collaborative efforts to single out and cut off the flow of fentanyl into American borders.