A noteworthy drug seizure has been carried out at the Otay Mesa port of entry.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) disclosed that its officers, who were stationed at the Otay Mesa port of entry, made a noteworthy drug seizure on April 18.
Derek Maltz Sr. sent a tweet on Apr. 19 acknowledging the work done by CBP on the recent drug seizure.
"OUTSTANDING law enforcement work done by @HSI_HQ and @CBP working collaboratively to attack the nasty Mexican Terror Cartels during Operation Blue Lotus!" Maltz wrote.
The CBP retrieved over $20,000,000 in deadly narcotics which prevented to sickness or death of potential victims.
They intercepted a consignment of green beans that harbored an astonishing 3,520,000 fentanyl pills, which were estimated to have a street value of approximately $21,120,000.
"This seizure of over 3.5 million fake deadly pills saved many lives," Maltz wrote. "Thank you."
The CBP officers employed a non-intrusive inspection method involving a narcotic detector dog who confirmed their apprehension.
Essentially, their method entailed a thorough scan of a full tractor-trailer, to uncover the presence of the illegal drugs. Upon examination, the officers noticed irregularities that raised their suspicion, leading them to call a CBP human/narcotic detector dog, whose detection affirmed the presence of narcotics and validated the officers' doubts.
Rosa Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility applauded the officers for their work.
"CBP recognizes our officers' exceptional performance and applauds their continued efforts to protect and serve our communities," Hernandez said.
The tractor-trailer driver was immediately apprehended and detained for alleged narcotic smuggling. Subsequently, the driver was handed over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for further inquiry and prosecution.
"This seizure provides insight and displays how our officers work together in collaboration to keep this dangerous drug off the streets," Hernandez said.
