El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a Mexican citizen carrying $278,000 worth of methamphetamine. The individual, who held an active border crossing card, was found with 154 pounds of the drug in his vehicle.
"A MEX national, w/ a Border Crossing Card, was arrested during a vehicle stop. During the search, agents discovered 154.5 lbs of meth concealed inside duffle bags. Subject was arrested & his card was revoked," said Gregory Bovino, United States chief patrol agent, according to X. "That's over $278K worth of dangerous drugs kept out of our communities."
According to a news release from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the individual's entry benefits have since been revoked. The arrest took place on Feb. 12 when Border Patrol vehicles on Interstate 10 near Dillon Road noticed a beige sedan and initiated a traffic stop. This led to the discovery of the narcotics which were subsequently handed over to the Drug Enforcement Agency.
The CBP news release further explained that a K-9 unit was deployed after the motorist refused consent for a search. The K-9 unit indicated something suspicious inside the car, leading agents to discover five duffel bags filled with multiple packages wrapped in cellophane. A field test confirmed that the substance inside the wrapping was methamphetamine.
The seizure is part of Operation Apollo, as per the news release. This recently announced initiative resulted in the confiscation of 1,800 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,100 pounds of cocaine, 111 pounds of heroin and 1,285 pounds of fentanyl in the San Diego area during fiscal year 2023. Operation Apollo is a joint effort involving federal, state and local agencies aimed at preventing fentanyl and other illicit synthetic narcotics from reaching the streets.
Troy Miller, CBP senior official performing the duties of commissioner stated: "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."
