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  4. CBP Officers Seize Almost $1.2 Million in Cocaine and Fentanyl

CBP Officers Seize Almost $1.2 Million in Cocaine and Fentanyl

Release Date
Tue, 06/20/2017

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro port of entry yesterday seized 70 pounds of cocaine and five pounds of fentanyl, worth almost $1.2 million.

On June 19, at about 2 a.m., a 28-year-old female U.S. citizen, applied for entry driving a 2006 Ford Explorer. The officer referred the woman for a more in-depth investigation.

At secondary, CBP officers searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory floor compartment where they removed a total of 26 wrapped packages. Officers determined that 24 packages contained cocaine which weighed 70 pounds and has an estimated street value of over $1 million. Two other packages contained fentanyl and weighed five pounds with an estimated street value of $180,000.

Packages of cocaine and fentanyl were hidden in floor of SUV.
Packages of cocaine and
fentanyl were hidden in
floor of SUV.

“These are dangerous substances that can pose deadly risks for people who encounter them,” said CBP Director of Field Operations in San Diego, Pete Flores. “This latest seizure and arrest continues to demonstrate the vital role CBP plays in securing the Nation’s border.”

CBP officers turned her over to Homeland Security Investigations for further processing. She was later transported to the Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Oct 27, 2023