The discovery occurred on November 24 at approximately 2:25 a.m. during a routine pre-primary roving inspection. A CBP K-9 unit detected narcotics in a 2008 SUV driven by a 31-year-old man seeking entry into the U.S. The vehicle and driver were referred to a secondary inspection area for further examination.
Using advanced non-intrusive inspection technology, officers identified irregularities throughout the SUV. A detailed search led to the recovery of 30 packages of fentanyl pills hidden in the vehicle’s rear quarter panels, spare tire, and doors.
Port Director Rosa Hernandez praised the officers’ efforts, stating, “Fentanyl is a highly lethal drug that continues to plague our southern border. I’m incredibly proud of our officers who courageously confront this threat and seize these lethal drugs on a daily basis.”
The driver was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry, while the narcotics and SUV were seized by CBP.
This seizure underscores the ongoing battle against the smuggling of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a rising number of overdose deaths across the United States. CBP continues to utilize technology, canine units, and officer vigilance to combat the flow of illicit drugs at the southern border.