Customs and Border Protection officers apprehended a 56-year-old U.S. citizen at the Bridge of the Americas international port of entry on July 18, after discovering the individual was smuggling 132.4 grams of fentanyl hidden within his body. The seizure took place in the early morning hours just before 4 a.m., as the man presented himself for inspection in the pedestrian area known as BOTA. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection canine officer's dog signaled narcotics presence, prompting a further examination, which led to the find.
During the inspection, the unnamed man initially raised suspicions enough for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to believe he could be carrying drugs internally. Upon being transported to a local medical facility, the medical team found evidence of foreign objects concealed in the man's rectum. In the wake of their discovery, the man passed two condom-wrapped packages; the first containing a white powdery substance, the second, blue pills, both of which tested positive for fentanyl, with weights of 81.6 grams and 50.8 grams respectively.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's official statement warns against the practice of internal smuggling, citing it as "exceptionally dangerous." CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio expressed his concern, stating, "Smuggling fentanyl internally is exceptionally dangerous, and we would advise anyone considering this to think twice and not risk their life or liberty." Provencio also highlighted the "multiple layers of enforcement" CPB employs to thwart such smuggling attempts.
The suspect, after passing the illicit substances, was subsequently arrested by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. His case was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations where he faces charges concerning the foiled smuggling operation. As opioid-related deaths continue to be a pressing issue in the United States, incidents like this underline the ongoing battle against the distribution of dangerous narcotics across the border.
