U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso apprehended an 18-year-old male U.S. citizen attempting to smuggle drugs into the United States. The seizure of 16.2 pounds of methamphetamine and 2.2 pounds of fentanyl occurred on March 26, with the substances concealed in a vehicle driven by the individual.
Arnie Gomez, acting CBP El Paso Port Director, commented, "History has shown that smuggling organizations will use almost anyone to move their contraband into the United States. We need to remain vigilant at all times because we have seen everyone from teens and senior citizens to families and single travelers all involved in the drug trade.”
The event took place shortly before 1 a.m. when the driver arrived from Mexico in a 2008 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was selected for a secondary inspection, during which a CBP drug-sniffing dog indicated the presence of narcotics. A nonintrusive Z-Portal scan further detected anomalies within the car doors.
Upon continued examination, CBP officers removed 14 methamphetamine-filled bundles and one package containing fentanyl from the vehicle's compartments. The driver was subsequently detained and transferred to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI is now carrying out an in-depth investigation into the incident, leading to federal charges concerning the importation of controlled substances. This response highlights the commitment to combating illegal activities and ensuring public safety.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection stands as America's frontline and the world’s first unified border management agency, tasked with protecting the nation and enhancing security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
