CBP Seizes Drugs in Second Largest Border Bust

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced their second largest methamphetamine bust along the southern border in a press release on October 11, 2020. With help from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), CBP officers seized over 3,100 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, fentanyl pills and heroin at the Otay Mesa commercial facility.

Anne Maricich, acting CBP director of field operations in San Diego said, “Smugglers will try every way possible to try and get their product across the border…I’m proud of the CBP officers’ dedication to our mission; they continue to stop dangerous drugs from entering our communities.”

When the driver of the truck transporting the drugs reached the port, he claimed to be carrying medical supplies. However, due to suspicion from a CBP officer, the driver was referred for a more intensive search.  Using the port’s imaging system, which works like an x-ray, officers and search dogs found boxes filled with drugs inside the truck. The drugs were hidden alongside medical supplies such as pipettes, tubes, and plastic containers. The driver, a Mexican national who is 47 years old, will face criminal charges.

DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery said of the bust, “This massive seizure is testament of what law enforcement agencies can do when we combine forces – prevent over $7 million worth of deadly drugs from entering our country; thus saving countless lives from addiction and overdose deaths.”

“This significant seizure is a prime example of how a successful partnership between HSI, CBP, and DEA results in the disruption of transnational criminal organizations while protecting our country from dangerous illicit drugs. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice,” said Juan Munoz, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI in San Diego in the same press release.