Border Crisis: Officers Seize Nearly 150 Pounds of Narcotics

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry intercepted approximately 120 pounds of marijuana, 28.96 pounds of cocaine, and .89 pound of fentanyl on five separate unrelated incidents.

“The drug smuggling threat remains ever present. Vigilant CBP officers are committed to the border security mission by stopping the flow of illicit narcotics,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector A. Mancha.

On Feb. 28, at the Ysleta Port of Entry, CBP officers intercepted .4 pounds of fentanyl. The discovery was made following a CBP canine alert and pat down search of a 24-year-old female, U.S. citizen who arrived via the pedestrian lanes. The woman had the fentanyl concealed within the vaginal cavity and groin area.

Later that same day, CBP officers intercepted 28.96 pounds of cocaine. The narcotics were located following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive inspection of a vehicle driven by 21-year-old male U.S. citizens.

On March 2, at the Ysleta Port of Entry, CBP officers intercepted 120 pounds of marijuana. Marijuana filled bundles were located throughout the conveyance following a non-intrusive (x-ray) exam. The vehicle was driven by a 55-year-old female, Mexican citizen.

On March 6, at the Ysleta Port of Entry, CBP officers intercepted .27 pounds of fentanyl. The discovery was made following a CBP canine alert and pat down search of a 37-year-old female, U.S. citizen who arrived via the pedestrian lanes. The woman had the fentanyl concealed within the vaginal cavity.

The subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and/or state and local authorities for prosecution.