EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry made several large drug busts, totaling 124 pounds of fentanyl and cocaine in the past week, according to a release sent out by CBP.
On Wednesday, May 1, CBP officers working at the Ysleta port of entry seized 11.2 pounds of fentanyl. The drugs were concealed in a 2012 Ibiza being driven by a 26-year-old male Mexican citizen, according to CBP.
Photos courtesy of CBP
The seizure was made while CBP officers were conducting an “enforcement operation” in the lanes of traffic just south of the primary inspection booths, according to CBP.
CBP officers selected the vehicle for a secondary exam during which wrapped bundles were spotted in the center console area. A total of 15 drug-filled packages were removed from the compartment, according to CBP.
On Tuesday, April 30, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas seized 42.5 pounds of cocaine. The drugs were concealed in a 2013 Hyundai Elantra being driven by a 48-year-old male U.S. citizen. The seizure was made when CBP officers spotted “anomalies in the appearance of the vehicle” and advised primary CBP officers, according to the news release.
A trained canine and x-ray were used during the incident to detect the hidden drugs, according to CBP.
CBP officers removed 18 cocaine-filled bundles from the rocker panels of the car.
CBP officers working in El Paso made two additional large cocaine seizures since Monday totaling 70.8 pounds.
Subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to federal authorities for prosecution.
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