U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Tucson and San Diego sectors have seized over 30 pounds of fentanyl, according to Chief Jason Owens. Owens recently shared on social media that this seizure was significant and posed a considerable threat to America.
Chief Owens expressed his concerns about the substance, stating, "In the last 24 hours, USBP agents in Tucson, AZ and San Diego, CA seized a total of 34.6 lbs of Fentanyl. This substance is as scary as it is dangerous. It cannot be allowed into our communities. Honor First!"
Recently, it was reported that Border Patrol agents from the San Diego sector confiscated over $3.6 million worth of fentanyl pills during a vehicle stop on Interstate 15 near Temecula. The information was released by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 24-year-old woman driving a gray sedan. A Border Patrol canine signaled to agents that there might be narcotics in the vehicle, leading to an inspection that revealed 62 bundles containing blue pills hidden inside its door panels and seats.
Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel, Chief Patrol Agent, commended her team's efforts saying, "Our agents are dedicated to keeping America safe. We will continue to serve on the frontlines against fentanyl by disrupting and ultimately dismantling the drug trafficking organizations who profit in this poison."
According to a news release from CBP, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,285 pounds of fentanyl during fiscal year 2023 as part of Operation Apollo. This operation represents a collaborative effort between municipal, state and federal agencies aimed at combating the risks associated with fentanyl in Southern California. Furthermore, CBP reported seizing more than 27,000 pounds of fentanyl in fiscal year 2023 compared to over 14,600 pounds in fiscal year 2022.
Reflecting on his long career, CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy Miller said, "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."
