By SDCN Editor
Calexico, CA–U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Calexico West Port of Entry made a significant discovery last Wednesday, intercepting approximately 122 pounds of blue fentanyl pills concealed throughout a vehicle.
The discovery took place just after 10 p.m. when CBP officers encountered a 47-year-old male driving a gray sedan who was applying for admission into the United States from Mexico. During the initial inspection, officers discovered packages within the vehicle’s quarter panel. They referred the driver and vehicle for further examination.
In the secondary inspection area, officers utilized non-intrusive inspection technology to screen the vehicle, revealing anomalies. A CBP K-9 team responded and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics.
Upon further examination, officers extracted 98 packages concealed within the vehicle’s quarter panels and back headrest. The contents of the packages were tested and identified as fentanyl with a total weight of approximately 122 pounds.
“This fentanyl pill seizure is a big win in our fight against the opioid crisis,” stated Roque Caza, Area Port Director of Calexico. “Every pill off the streets is a life potentially saved. I commend our hardworking CBP officers and law enforcement partners for keeping our communities safe.”
Officers seized the narcotics and vehicle. The driver was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
The seizure is part of Operation Apollo. Operation Apollo is a joint regional operation comprised of federal, state, and local agencies working to combat the threat from fentanyl, and other illicit synthetic narcotics.