U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Bridge of the Americas international port of entry in El Paso, Texas, seized 132.4 grams of fentanyl on July 18. The drugs were found concealed in the rectum of a 56-year-old male U.S. citizen.
"Smuggling fentanyl internally is exceptionally dangerous, and we would advise anyone considering this to think twice and not risk their life or liberty," said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. "CBP has multiple layers of enforcement to identify and stop these smuggling attempts."
The incident occurred shortly before 4 a.m. when the man presented himself for inspection at the BOTA pedestrian area. A CBP canine officer conducting a sweep detected narcotics when his dog searched the man.
An initial examination suggested that the man might be concealing drugs internally. He was taken to a local medical facility for further examination, which confirmed foreign objects in his rectum.
Approximately 90 minutes after confirmation, the man passed two condom-wrapped bundles. One bundle contained white powder weighing 81.6 grams, which tested positive for fentanyl. The second bundle contained blue pills weighing 50.8 grams, also testing positive for fentanyl.
CBP officers arrested the individual, who was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations to face charges related to the smuggling attempt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America's largest law enforcement organization and unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel working on land, air, and sea to protect America while facilitating safe travel and trade.
