CBP seizes $2.8M in cocaine and meth at southern border as 2 suspects arrested
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FIRST ON FOX: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized more than $2.8 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine in back-to-back raids involving suspected drug smugglers at the southern border.
CBP officers discovered more than 430 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in California on April 7 and 8.
Cocaine was first seized after a 51-year-old Mexican man driving a Toyota Prius was referred for a secondary examination.
Following an alert from the canine team, officers found 44 packets of cocaine hidden in the vehicle’s doors, back seat and rear side panels during physical examination.
A news release shared with Fox News Digital said the drugs weighed approximately 124 pounds and had an estimated value of $2.4 million.
MORE THAN 190,000 “LETHAL” DOSES OF COCAINE WERE SEIZED IN VALENTINE’S DAY WEEK RAID ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER
More than 430 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine were discovered in hidden parts of vehicles by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials between April 7 and 8. (CBP)
The next day, a U.S. citizen, identified by CBP as a 21-year-old man driving a Nissan Frontier, was also referred for secondary investigation.
A canine team and imaging system scan led officers to a compartment in the truck bed, where they discovered 25 packages containing approximately 307 pounds of methamphetamine.
The estimated value of the drugs was $491,200, according to CBP.
Both drivers were arrested and will face federal investigation.
COAST GUARD SEIZED MORE THAN 4,500 POUNDS OF COCAINE WORTH 34 MILLION DOLLARS FROM SUSPECTED NARCO-TERRORISM SHIP ON EASTER
CBP officials discovered 44 packages of cocaine hidden in the side door and backseat of a Toyota Prius driven by a 51-year-old man. (CBP)
The seizures underscore federal authorities’ ongoing efforts to crack down on drug smuggling along the southern border, where cartels are using increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods including secret vehicle bays and reliable passenger routes.
Authorities say both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals are often recruited to transport drugs at ports of entry.
“These back-to-back seizures stopped dangerous criminals and prevented deadly narcotics from reaching our communities,” said Otay Mesa Port Manager Rosa Hernandez. he said. “Combining their professional expertise with advanced technology, our officers demonstrate their determination to secure our borders and keep our country safe.”
The two drug busts came after President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan praised Trump’s immigration policies and the impact of border patrol efforts.
CBP officers located 25 packages containing approximately 307 pounds of methamphetamine in a Nissan Frontier driven by a 21-year-old man. (CBP)
“He saves thousands of lives a year because he has a secure border,” Homan said of the president while speaking outside the White House. “Lives are being saved right now, where President Trump has the most secure border in the lifetime of this nation.”
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“Human smugglers are bankrupt, right? Cartels are bankrupt because the border is secure,” he added.
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano and Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.
