U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Area Port of San Luis intercepted a drug smuggling attempt through the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) lane, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old male United States citizen.
The incident occurred on Friday, June 20, 2025, around 7:12 a.m., when CBP officers stopped a pick-up truck driven by the suspect entering from Mexico. Officers noticed irregularities in the spare tire during initial inspection and referred the vehicle for further examination.
In secondary inspection, a CBP canine signaled the presence of narcotics in the truck. A thorough search revealed 50 packages hidden throughout the vehicle, including inside the spare tire. The seized drugs have an estimated street value of $1,317,580.
“The tireless efforts of our officers and drive to protect our nation in these unrelenting conditions of 100 plus degree temperatures prevented these dangerous drugs from entering our streets and communities,” stated Chris Leon, Area Port Director for San Luis.
The vehicle and narcotics were confiscated by authorities. The driver was handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Federal law allows officers to charge individuals by complaint without inferring guilt; an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by competent evidence presented to a jury.
CBP's Office of Field Operations plays a crucial role in anti-terrorism missions at U.S. ports, screening all entrants while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. Their responsibilities include narcotics interdiction and enforcing immigration laws as well as protecting national agriculture from pests and diseases.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America's largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to safeguarding land, air, and sea borders while promoting safe travel and trade for economic prosperity through innovation and collaboration.
