Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California have filed 107 border-related cases this week, including migrant smuggling attempts and significant drug seizures.
The district encompasses 140 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and includes the San Ysidro port of entry, the busiest land crossing in the world that connects San Diego to Tijuana.
Some of the notable arrests made this week were:
Coast Guard Intercepts Vessel Carrying 9 Undocumented Migrants
Mexican nationals Óscar Salado and Brayan Manuel Castro Sánchez were taken into custody on August 1 and charged with attempting to smuggle undocumented foreigners into the United States for profit.
According to court documents, the two men were operating a smuggling vessel when the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted them near the entrance to Quivira Basin in Mission Bay.
On board, authorities found nine undocumented individuals, including the two defendants, as well as Luz Mayda Andrés Ignacio, Jorge García Santiago, and Everado González-González, all of whom face charges for attempted re-entry following prior deportation.
Related: 131 Pounds of Cocaine Seized from SENTRI Traveler’s Truck at San Ysidro Port of Entry
Jetta Driver Caught with Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Methamphetamine
In a separate incident, U.S. citizen José Alexis Rojas Palomera was arrested on August 4 for allegedly importing controlled substances.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the San Ysidro port of entry discovered 70.33 pounds of fentanyl, 29.85 pounds of cocaine, and 24.52 pounds of methamphetamine concealed inside a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta.
The drugs were hidden in the spare tire, rear side panels, fuel tank, rear seat, firewall, and center console.
Keep Reading: Coast Guard Intercepts Vessel Carrying 21 Migrants Near San Clemente Island
Another Smuggling Attempt of Meth and Fentanyl
U.S. citizen Gustavo Espinoza Hernández was also arrested on August 5 for allegedly importing controlled substances.
CBP officers at San Ysidro discovered 74.91 pounds of methamphetamine and 23.63 pounds of fentanyl hidden inside a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas he was driving at the time of entry.
The drugs were located in multiple areas of the vehicle, including the driver’s side floor, front passenger floor, front passenger seat, seat backrest, and rear passenger seat area.
All cases have been referred to federal authorities, with assistance provided by state and local law enforcement partners.
