Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino, a senior official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), shared updates on recent enforcement actions and operational activities through her social media posts in March 2026.
On March 20, Sabatino reported that "CBP officers at the Calexico Port of Entry seized 170.63 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a 2016 Kia Forte. After noticing a door sounded solid, officers referred the vehicle to secondary, where a K9 alert and inspection uncovered concealed packages." The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by CBP to intercept illegal narcotics at border entry points.
Later that day, Sabatino provided insight into daily operations at another field office, posting on March 20: "SOUND UP - POV: You work at the @DFONewOrleans Field Office. K9 paws, NII equipment scanning vehicles, testing seized narcotics, testing substances in a lab, every detail inspected. This is what we do. #OFOProud #ASMR" The post underscores the use of non-intrusive inspection (NII) technology and canine teams as part of standard procedures for detecting contraband.
On March 21, Sabatino described an agricultural interdiction case from Florida: "Last month at @MCO, @DFOFlorida K9 Stitch alerted to luggage from Trinidad & Tobago. CBP ag specialists discovered fruit, veggies, as well as plants & soil. The prohibited items were destroyed." Such actions are part of CBP's mandate to prevent the introduction of potentially harmful pests or diseases through international travel.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates under the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for securing U.S. borders while facilitating lawful trade and travel. The agency regularly uses canine units and advanced screening technologies to detect drugs and other contraband entering the country.
