CBP Makes Huge Drug Bust on Southern Border, 2nd Largest Meth Seizure in History
Customs and Border Patrol Agents take down major drug trafficking operation
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have just scored the second-largest methamphetamine bust along the southwestern border in the agency’s history, according to reports.
CBP officers seized more than 3,100 pounds of illegal narcotics at the Otay Mesa commercial facility on Friday.
The seizure was a joint effort executed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The bust netted more than 3,100 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, fentanyl pills, and heroin that was all heading for America's streets, the agency stated in a news release.
1,816 packages of drugs were located inside a truck transporting medical supplies, according to the release.
The street value of the drugs is an estimated $7.2 million.
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The seized packages included 3,014 pounds of methamphetamine, 64 pounds of heroin, 29 pounds of fentanyl powder, and almost 37 pounds of fentanyl pills.
“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,” DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery stated.
“DEA cherishes our great law enforcement partners in San Diego, especially those who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s borders,” Callery added.
"We will continue to work together to disrupt drug trafficking organizations at every opportunity we are given."
CBP: Officers in Otay Mesa make second largest drug bust ever along the southern border. ~$7.2M in meth, heroin and fentanyl was found in 1,816 packages inside a truck carrying medical supplies on Friday. The driver was arrested. pic.twitter.com/jL87AZVsHH
— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonNews8) October 11, 2020
The male driver, a 47–year-old Mexican citizen, was arrested.
The charges levied against the suspect were not immediately available.
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The drugs were discovered at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, in San Diego, NewsNow Las Vegas reported Sunday evening.
They were found stashed in a truck that pulled into the commercial side of the border crossing.
CPB officers, using the port’s imaging system, found suspicious materials in the rear of the trailer, the report said.
The trailer was sent to the dock and a canine alerted them to the boxes inside.
“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,” said Juan Munoz, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI in San Diego.
