Officers at the Tecate Port of Entry seized nearly 154 pounds of methamphetamine today, and federal prosecutors are now stepping in, according to Customs and Border Protection officials. The bust is the latest in a steady run of large drug seizures along the San Diego border in recent months.
What Officials Said
Sidney Aki, director of field operations for CBP's San Diego Field Office, posted on X that officers at the Tecate crossing intercepted 153.92 pounds of methamphetamine and that "federal prosecution underway." As shared by Sidney Aki, the post did not include any additional information about potential suspects or how the narcotics were hidden.
CBP officers at the Tecate Port of Entry intercepted 153.92 lbs of methamphetamine at the border.
— Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki (@DFOSanDiegoCA) March 5, 2026
Federal prosecution underway.
Keeping our communities safer! 💪🛑#BorderSecurity #CBP #DrugSeizure #CBPMission #OFOProud #TecatePOE #SanDiegoFieldOffice pic.twitter.com/pbfRlPlsAR
How CBP Detects Contraband at Tecate
According to CBP, officers at Tecate routinely use K-9 teams along with non-intrusive inspection technology to detect concealed loads. Those tools have been used to uncover packages stashed inside vehicle compartments and cargo. In previous Tecate incidents, officials say K-9 alerts followed by non-intrusive imaging led officers to pull narcotics from toolboxes and canopy bags, as described in a CBP media release.
Where This Fits in a Wider Enforcement Push
The Tecate seizure is part of a broader wave of large narcotics interceptions across San Diego ports of entry. As reported by the Times of San Diego, CBP's San Diego field office recorded more than 7,850 pounds of narcotics seized in May 2025 alone. Local and federal agencies have pointed to these kinds of busts as evidence of ramped-up, intelligence-driven inspections across the border region.
Federal Prosecution and Likely Charges
Aki's post notes that federal prosecution is underway, which typically means the U.S. Attorney's Office will review the case for potential federal importation charges. In a March 3 press release on a separate 944-pound meth seizure at Otay Mesa, the U.S. Attorney's Office outlined how importation charges under federal law can carry mandatory minimum sentences and maximum penalties that stretch for decades.
Court filings or charging documents are expected to provide the next wave of public information, including any arrests and formal allegations. Hoodline will be watching federal dockets and agency releases for updates.
