Border Crisis: Officers in Otay Mesa Seize Over $1.1 Million of Narcotics

OTAY MESA, Calif. – U.S Customs and Border Protection Officers from the Otay Mesa Port of Entry intercepted more than $1.1 million  worth of  narcotics on June 16.

At approximately 1:42 a.m., a 43-year-old man driving a 2011 Lincoln MKZ entered the United States from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

The driver and the vehicle were referred for further inspection after a CBP human and narcotic detector dog screened the vehicle and alerted CBP officers to the presence of narcotics. Officers conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle where they found concealed packages in the vehicles quarter panels, rear bumper, firewall, and rocker panels. The driver was removed from the vehicle and escorted to a secure area.

“CBP officers are the front-line of stopping these types of dangerous drugs from entering into the U.S.,” said Anne Maricich, CBP Deputy Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “I am proud of our officers, and as a result of their keen awareness and collaborative efforts, these narcotics will not reach our communities.”

A total of 89.32 pounds of narcotics were found and tested positive for fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately $1.1 million.

The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP officers. The driver was turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.