U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents from the El Centro Sector recently conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of nine pounds of fentanyl, as reported in a social media post by USBP Chief Jason Owens. Owens announced the news of the drug bust on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Owens detailed the event, stating, "Yesterday, USBP agents in EL Centro interdicted a controlled substance smuggling event. A highway vehicle stop yielded over 9 lbs. of the fatally dangerous narcotic, #Fentanyl. DYK: Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl."
The El Centro Sector has made it a priority to intercept fentanyl trafficking. In October, agents thwarted an attempt by a couple to smuggle $1.1 million worth of fentanyl across state lines, according to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) news release. Agents from the Indio Station Strike Team noticed an SUV speeding past them on Interstate 10 and pursued it for 12 miles despite the driver's attempts to evade capture by weaving through traffic.
The occupants of the vehicle, an 18-year-old Mexican citizen who was driving and an 18-year-old U.S. citizen passenger, were apprehended after a K9 unit detected anomalies in the floorboard and gas tank of their SUV. According to the news release, they claimed they were traveling to Arizona to visit family but gave conflicting accounts when questioned separately about their destination.
Further investigation revealed several plastic-wrapped packages hidden inside the gas tank. A thorough inspection led to the discovery of 60 packages filled with blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl. The total weight of the seized narcotic was 99.5 pounds with an estimated street value of $1.1 million.
Commenting on CBP's ongoing efforts against drug trafficking, CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy Miller said in a news release, "In my 30 years as a customs official, the trafficking of synthetic illicit drugs like fentanyl is one of the toughest, most daunting challenges I have ever seen. Through this updated strategy, we will channel the incredible efforts of the men and women of CBP to keep this and other drugs out of the country."
