Suspected smugglers' attempts fall short as CBP officers interdict fentanyl pills and ammunition

CALEXICO, Calif., - CBP officers assigned to the San Diego Field Office made a big discovery last week when more than 630 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 114 pounds of illicit fentanyl pills were interdicted in two separate smuggling attempts.

The first incident occurred on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Calexico West Port of Entry when CBP officers encountered a 26-year-old male driving a red sedan seeking entry into the United States from Mexico. After initial inspection, CBP officers referred the driver and vehicle for further examination.

In the secondary inspection area, the driver and vehicle were screened using non-intrusive inspection technology revealing anomalies. A CBP K-9 team conducted a cursory inspection of the vehicle and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics.

Upon further examination, CBP officers extracted a total of 44 packages concealed within the vehicle's fender and bumper. The contents of the packages were tested and identified as fentanyl with a total weight of 114 pounds.

CBP officers discover concealed, illicit fentanyl pills within the quarter panels of a red sedan presenting for inspection at the Calexico West Port of Entry.

The second incident occurred on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Calexico West Port of Entry when CBP officers encountered an 18-year-old male driving a blue sedan seeking entry into the United States from Mexico. After initial inspection, CBP officers referred the driver and vehicle for further examination.

In the secondary inspection area, CBP officers utilized non-intrusive inspection technology to screen the vehicle revealing anomalies. CBP officers conducted a physical examination of the sedan and discovered five packages hidden within the quarter panels containing 636 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

CBP officers further inspect a blue sedan at the Calexico West Port of Entry to discover more than 600 rounds of illicit 7.62mm ammunition.

"These seizures are indicative of the exceptional performance our officers display day after day", stated Roque Caza, Calexico Area Port Director. "Their vigilance and dedication make a significant difference in our communities by keeping illicit ammunition off the streets and keeping deadly narcotics like fentanyl away from the people we hold dear to our hearts."

Suspects involved in the incidents were arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The narcotics, ammunition, and vehicles were seized by CBP officers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.