U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Ysleta port of entry in El Paso seized 64 pounds of methamphetamine on February 14. This was one of several enforcement actions taken by CBP officers in the area over the past week.
"CBP officers remain steadfast in their efforts to execute their primary homeland security mission," said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations. "Their inspections will often uncover multiple violations and help separate law-abiding travelers from those who pose a risk to our community."
The methamphetamine was discovered around 1:30 p.m. when a 32-year-old Mexican man driving a 2008 Ford F-150 arrived from Mexico. Officers noticed irregularities during a Low Energy Portal scan and conducted a physical inspection, which led to finding bundles hidden in the rear seats. A drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to narcotics, and further examination with a Z-Portal x-ray revealed more anomalies in the back seat and spare tire.
Officers extracted 56 drug-filled bundles from various parts of the truck. The driver was handed over to the Texas Department of Public Safety for state charges related to the smuggling attempt.
In addition to this seizure, CBP officers made other busts involving cocaine, marijuana, and peyote cream throughout the week. On February 17, at the Paso Del Norte international crossing, they confiscated 180 rooster gaffs and 7,500 Viroton animal steroid tablets from a traveler coming from Mexico. These items are illegal under Title 7 U.S. Code 2156, which prohibits sharp instruments for animal fighting ventures. The traveler received a $2,000 penalty.
Over seven days, CBP officers apprehended 30 fugitives listed in the National Crime Information Center database for offenses such as assault, drugs, probation violations, and stolen vehicles.
CBP agriculture specialists issued civil penalties totaling nearly $4,000 for attempts to smuggle prohibited agricultural products like raw eggs into the U.S., which is generally banned due to disease concerns such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Virulent Newcastle disease (ND). Travelers are advised against bringing fresh eggs or unprocessed avian products into the country without declaration.
CBP is America's largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel working across various domains to ensure national security through innovation and collaboration.
