Officers Confiscate Over 1 Ton of Drugs in Single Month at San Ysidro Port of Entry

Border Patrol agents seized over one ton of narcotics in July at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, a significant step in the fight against illegal drugs.

At a Glance

CBP officers at San Ysidro Port of Entry seized 2,627.80 pounds of narcotics in July.
The narcotics included fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
The drugs were hidden in vehicles crossing from Mexico and seized in 50 incidents.
The seizures are part of Operation Apollo, a counter-fentanyl effort in southern California.

Narcotics Seized at San Ysidro Port of Entry

In an extraordinary display of vigilance and expertise, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry seized over one ton of narcotics throughout July. The total weight of these confiscated drugs amounted to 2,627.80 pounds, from 50 separate incidents during vehicle inspections.

This significant drug haul included 173.91 pounds of fentanyl, 18.24 pounds of heroin, 169.5 pounds of cocaine, and a staggering 2,266.15 pounds of methamphetamine. The narcotics were clandestinely hidden in vehicles attempting to cross into the United States from Mexico.

The meticulous work of the CBP officers underscores the relentless efforts to protect the nation from the proliferation of these harmful substances. These officers demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment in their daily responsibilities. As emphasized by Mariza Marin, Port Director for the San Ysidro Port of Entry, “CBP Officers will continue to use their skillsets and knowhow to intercept illegal and illicit narcotics that are encountered at the Port of Entry.”

Border patrol seized over a ton of narcotics at one entry port in one month https://t.co/4W5JqvgR3v

— Just the News (@JustTheNews) August 29, 2024

Operation Apollo’s Role

These substantial drug seizures form a pivotal part of Operation Apollo, an anti-fentanyl initiative that began on October 26, 2023, in southern California and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. This operation focuses on enhanced intelligence collection and fostering partnerships among various federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners.

Marin said, “Our staff is fully invested in safeguarding the American people from these harmful substances and demonstrate the highest levels of service to our nation through their extraordinary efforts each and every day.”

Operation Apollo also led to other significant drug seizures recently in San Diego. One notable case involved a truck concealing over $5 million worth of methamphetamine disguised as watermelons. In another incident, over 600 pounds of methamphetamine were hidden within a shipment of celery.

CBP’s Commitment to National Security

These efforts illustrate CBP’s larger mission to protect America, facilitate lawful travel and trade, and enhance national security. As the largest law enforcement entity in the U.S., with over 65,000 personnel, CBP plays a pivotal role in keeping the nation safe from illicit activities. The continued successes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry serve as a testament to the dedication and skill of the CBP officers who tirelessly work to secure American borders.

These diligent efforts and robust strategies reinforce the United States’ commitment to combating the smuggling of illicit drugs. The continued collaboration through Operation Apollo aims to further disrupt the supply chains of transnational criminal organizations, ensuring the streets of America remain safer for all citizens.