CALEXICO–U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico West Port of Entry over the weekend discovered fentanyl pills hidden in various household items.
“Narcotics interdiction continues to be a high priority at the Calexico ports of entry as demonstrated by this failed alleged smuggling attempt to hide fentanyl pills in miscellaneous items,” said Officer in Charge Sergio Beltran. “This was a great catch of a dangerous narcotic.”
At around 7 p.m. on Saturday, a 22-year-old woman driving a 2007 Acura TSX entered the border crossing. The CBP officer noticed inconsistencies in her story and referred her and the vehicle for a more intensive examination.
Customs and Border Protection officers utilized a K-9 team to screen the vehicle and the detector dog alerted the trunk. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered 26 packages of fentanyl hidden in miscellaneous items, such as bars of soap, hair cream, lotion, milk containers, bags of corn nuts and a fire extinguisher.
Officers seized the fentanyl, almost 10 pounds with a street value of about $111,500 and the vehicle. Additionally, officers arrested the woman, a U.S. citizen, and turned her over to Homeland Security Investigations.
