U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized more than 35 pounds of drugs at the Otay Mesa port of entry after a U.S. citizen attempted to smuggle the narcotics through the Sentri lane.
According to information released on social media, the driver was referred for secondary inspection while driving a 2021 GMC Sierra. However, he attempted to flee and was subsequently taken into custody.
Related: Man Sentenced for Smuggling Parrots Through San Ysidro Port of Entry
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a backpack containing 15 vacuum-sealed packages. The packages were found to hold 21.03 pounds of cocaine and 14.02 pounds of fentanyl.
The seizure comes as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the conclusion of Phase II of its “Fentanyl-Free America” initiative.
The DEA’s San Diego Field Division also shared the results of its recent operations in the area, which included 126 arrests and the confiscation of significant quantities of drugs.
Keep reading: DEA Conducts Aerial Tour Over San Ysidro Port of Entry
Among the total seizures tied to the initiative in San Diego were:
- 50.29 kilograms of heroin
- 418.82 kilograms of cocaine
- 297.98 kilograms of methamphetamine
- 35.21 kilograms of marijuana
- 14.09 kilograms of fentanyl
- 45,930 fentanyl pills
- 5,000 methamphetamine pills
Authorities also seized $1,229,613 in cash, $16,000 in additional assets, and 36 firearms.
