In a significant operation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Calexico intercepted a staggering $8 million worth of fentanyl pills on November 3.
At around 9:55 a.m., CBP officers encountered a 23-year-old male seeking admission into the United States from Mexico at the Calexico West Port of Entry. Suspecting illicit activities, a CBP officer referred the driver and the 1995 pickup truck for further inspection.
Using non-intrusive inspection methods, CBP officers employed the port’s imaging system and detected irregularities in the vehicle. A CBP K-9 team confirmed the presence of narcotics with a positive alert. Subsequent examination uncovered 41 packages concealed in the spare tire and rear seat, containing approximately 840,000 blue pills testing positive for fentanyl. The total weight of the pills reached 185.41 pounds, with an estimated street value of $8,400,000.
Roque Caza, Calexico Area Port Director, emphasized the officers’ exceptional performance, stating, “Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. This seizure is indicative of the exceptional performance our officers display day after day.” CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle, and the driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.
