CBP officers at the Tecate Port of Entry seized over 1,500 pounds of narcotics in a series of incidents last week. The operations resulted in the confiscation of methamphetamine and cocaine during three separate smuggling attempts.
The first incident occurred on February 11 when a 72-year-old male driving a red SUV was stopped for further inspection after entering from Mexico. Utilizing non-intrusive inspection technology and a K-9 unit, officers discovered 302 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in various parts of the vehicle.
On February 13, at the Tecate Cargo Facility, CBP officers inspected a black tractor-trailer driven by a 30-year-old male. Anomalies detected through non-intrusive inspection led to the discovery of 770 pounds of narcotics. This included 697 pounds of methamphetamine and 73 pounds of cocaine concealed within the flatbed.
The final seizure took place on February 17 when officers at Tecate's commercial facility conducted an inspection on a white tractor-trailer following a positive alert from a K-9 unit. Officers found 437 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the floor of the trailer.
Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director for Otay Mesa and Tecate Ports, stated, "All CBP components are vital assets to our counternarcotics operations and provide proficient layers of enforcement." She emphasized that their staff remains committed to protecting communities and combating transnational criminal organizations.
Those apprehended were handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry. Both narcotics and vehicles involved were confiscated by CBP officers.
CBP remains America's largest law enforcement body with over 65,000 personnel safeguarding national borders through land, air, and sea patrols while promoting lawful trade and travel.
For updates from CBP’s San Diego Field Office, follow @DFOSanDiegoCA on social media.
