Calexico CBP Officers Seize Over $8M In Fentanyl Pills

SAN DIEGO COUNTY — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted more than $8 million worth of fentanyl pills during a vehicle inspection at the Calexico West Port of EntryFriday, Nov. 3.

According to a Border Patrol news release, officers encountered a 23-year-old male driving a 1995 pickup truck applying for admission into the United States from Mexico shortly before 10 a.m. The man and his pickup truck were referred for "further inspection" during the initial examination, the CBP said.

"In the inspection area, a non-intrusive inspection of the vehicle was conducted," the news release said. "CBP officers utilized the port’s imaging system to screen the vehicle and observed irregularities."

Border Patrol officers brough in a K-9 team which screened the vehicle, alerting positive to the presence of narcotics, the news release said.

"Upon further examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 41 packages concealed in the spare tire and rear seat of the truck," The CBP said, adding that the packages contained approximately 840,000 blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl.

The total weight of the pills was 185.41 pounds with an estimated street value of $8,400,000.

"Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. This seizure is indicative of the exceptional performance our officers display day after day," Calexico Area Port Director Roque Caza said. "Their vigilance and dedication are vital assets that make a significant difference in our communities."

According to the news release, the narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP while the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.