Chris Leon, Area Port Director for San Luis, said that recent seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine demonstrate how drug organizations utilize children for their trafficking operations. He made this statement in a CBP press release on September 5.
"Both of these seizures highlight how drug trafficking organizations exploit children as part of their business,” stated Chris Leon, Area Port Director for San Luis," said Leon, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "Our CBP officers remain vigilant on America's front line and dedicated to keeping these deadly drugs out of our communities."
According to the press release, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made two seizures at the Area Port of San Luis on September 2 and September 3, respectively. The first seizure resulted from the discovery of 3.6 pounds of blue fentanyl pills strapped to a 16-year-old female attempting to enter the US from Mexico. The second case involved the seizure of 54,000 blue fentanyl pills and 9 pounds of methamphetamine concealed behind the tires of a car driven by a 32-year-old female, accompanied by her 9-year-old and 11-year-old children. The combined value of the seized substances was $194,400.
All three minors were US citizens, according to the press release. The 16-year-old teenager was turned over to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, while the mother was placed in custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Law Enforcement Today reported that the Sinaloa cartel has been especially active along San Luis Rio Colorado in recent years. Earlier this year, drug tunnels were discovered in this region just across the border from San Luis, Arizona, which led to the US-Mexico border. Further, the area has seen several shootings, including one on September 8 which led to the deaths of four individuals.
According to the CBP website, Chris Leon was announced as the Area Port Director at the San Luis Port of Entry on June 6, 2024. As Director, Leon is in charge of all operations and enforcement in the area, including passenger and commercial crossing and Yuma International Airport. The San Luis region sees around 7.8 million travelers each year.
