CBP Officers Seize 1,700 Pounds of Drugs This Holiday Weekend

Release Date:

September 6, 2019

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the ports of entry in the San Diego and Imperial Valley counties over the holiday weekend intercepted 1,700 pounds of drugs, valued over $9.9 million, and captured 22 fugitives.

From Friday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 2, CBP officers intercepted 1,266 pounds of methamphetamine, 291 pounds of cocaine, 93 pounds of heroin, 34 pounds of fentanyl and 16 pounds of marijuana.

CBP officers discovered the narcotics hidden in different vehicles at different border crossings. Packages of drugs were hidden in various locations throughout the vehicles such as the floor, spare tire, rocker panels, gas tank and quarter panels.

During the same time period, 22 fugitives were arrested for various charges that included aggravated assault, kidnapping, robbery, larceny and sex offense.

“CBP officers work tirelessly, through extreme weather and holidays to safeguard America,” said Pete Flores, Director of Field Operations for CBP in San Diego. “CBP officers work in a 24 hour environment as threats persist; they are always vigilant to combat dangerous contraband and people.”

Significant interceptions are listed below.

On Aug. 31, at about 3:15 p.m., a 51-year-old male Mexican citizen and visa holder arrived at the San Ysidro port of entry driving a 2000 Ford Focus. A CBP officer and his canine were screening vehicles when the dog alerted to the vehicle’s engine. CBP officers referred the vehicle and driver for further examination. Officers conducted a more in-depth examination of the engine area and noticed some discrepancies with the battery. After searching the area, CBP officers removed five packages of fentanyl from the battery, weighing 12 pounds. The fentanyl carries an estimated street value of $360,000.

The same day, at about 4:25 p.m., an 18-year-old male Mexican citizen and visa holder arrived at the Otay Mesa port of entry driving a Mazda 3. A CBP officer and his canine were screening vehicles when the dog alerted to the vehicle. CBP officers referred the vehicle and occupant for further examination. Officers conducted a more in-depth examination utilizing the port’s imaging system, which revealed anomalies concealed within the vehicle’s doors. CBP officers removed nine packages of fentanyl, 13 packages of methamphetamine and four packages of heroin. The narcotics carry an estimated street value of almost $807,000.

“It is only through the labor and vigilance of our officers and their enthusiasm and determination to protect the homeland that we see such enormous enforcement results year after year,” said Division Director, David Salazar.

Both drivers in these two incidents were turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing and were later transported to the Metropolitan Correctional Center where they currently await arraignment.

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Yuma Sector BP Rescues Pregnant Woman, Two Men Claiming to be Children, and 10 other illegal aliens

Release Date:

September 6, 2019

YUMA, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents working near Yuma, Arizona and Blythe, California rescued 13 illegal aliens, including a pregnant woman and two men falsely claiming to be children, in separate events this week.

At approximately 5:50 p.m. Tuesday, Yuma Station agents discovered footprints along the U.S./Mexico International Boundary before spotting two subjects west of Avenue B near County 24th Street. Agents arrived on scene to find two individuals in the U.S. illegally, a pregnant woman and a man claiming to be a minor.

The woman showed signs of dehydration and was first given assistance by the agents while emergency medical services were called in for medical support and transport. She was taken by ambulance to the Yuma Regional Medical Center for further care before being released into Border Patrol custody.

The second subject initially claimed to be a 17-year-old Guatemalan national, but agents discovered he was actually a 24-year-old Mexican national. The man reported to agents a human smuggler told him to make the fraudulent claim. He was advised representing himself as an unaccompanied child from Guatemala would ensure his release into the United Stated by law enforcement. Both subjects were processed for immigration violations.

On Wednesday at approximately 8:40 a.m., Blythe Station agents were informed that nine illegal aliens were traveling through the desert near Blythe, California. A short time later, California Highway Patrol received a 911 call from an individual in the same group reporting he and eight others were stranded without water. CHP deployed a fixed-wing aircraft to locate those in distress. Agents found the group and immediately provided water at the scene. All of the individuals were provided a medical assessment and found to be in good health. All nine were placed into custody and processed for immigration violations.

Later that day at approximately 7:45 p.m., Yuma Station agents located two subjects west of Avenue B and near County 24th Street. One subject was unconscious and apparently suffering from heat exhaustion. The second subject, also suffering from heat exhaustion, initially claimed to be a 17-year-old juvenile, but through an investigation was determined to be a 24-year-old Mexican national. They were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center by ambulance and treated before released to agents. Both subjects were processed for immigration violations.

The two 24-year-old men from Mexico in the above incidents were later found to be brothers who were traveling separately. Both were instructed by a smuggler to make the false claim.

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