EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte and Bridge of Americas border crossings seized a combined 177 pounds of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana within the first five days of March, according to U.S. CBP.
CBP says on Friday, March 1, officers encountered a 38-year-old man, a Mexican citizen who arrived via the vehicle lanes at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing.
The man was referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle and a thorough search led to the discovery of 18.9 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle.
Later that day, officers seized .43 pounds of fentanyl from a 28-year-old woman, a U.S. citizen. The woman arrived via the pedestrian lanes at the Paso Del Norte (PDN) border crossing and was referred for a secondary inspection, according to CBP.
A pat down search including a canine sweep was conducted and led to the detection of fentanyl-filled bundles concealed within her vaginal cavity.
CBP says on Monday, March 4, officers encountered a 20-year-old woman, a U.S. citizen who arrived via the vehicle lanes at the PDN border crossing.
During a primary inspection, officers located bundles within the vehicle’s trunk area. A total of 85 bundles with a combined weight of 95.1 pounds of marijuana were located throughout the vehicle.
CBP says on Tuesday, March 5, officers seized 2.6 pounds of heroin from a 23-year-old man, a U.S. citizen who arrived via the pedestrian lane at the PDN border crossing.
CBP Agriculture Specialists discovered a heroin-filled bundle within the man’s baggage, according to CBP.
CBP say the individuals were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and/or state and local authorities for prosecution.
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