U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Bridge of the Americas international crossing in El Paso seized nearly half a pound of fentanyl on November 17. Two individuals were arrested following the unsuccessful smuggling attempt.

"Fentanyl interdiction remains an important element of the CBP enforcement mission," stated Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations. "Stopping this dangerous product before it can make it into our communities will help save lives."

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday when a 33-year-old male U.S. citizen and a 47-year-old female U.S. citizen entered the United States from Mexico through pedestrian lanes. The pair was selected for further inspection by CBP officers at the primary inspection area, where a drug-sniffing dog detected narcotics during a secondary examination.

During the inspection, the female traveler removed a bundle of fentanyl concealed within her vaginal cavity, weighing 3.1 ounces. A package of fentanyl was also retrieved from the rectal cavity of the male traveler, weighing 4.2 ounces.

Both individuals were arrested and handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for federal prosecution.

In addition to this seizure, CBP officers in El Paso conducted multiple enforcement actions since Saturday, seizing 103 pounds of methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana. They also confiscated over 3,500 units of prescription medications and several veterinary medications. Officers recorded four National Crime Information Center fugitive arrests and intercepted prohibited food products arriving from Mexico.

CBP is America's largest law enforcement organization and first unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting America across land, air, and sea while facilitating safe travel and trade.