CBP seizes cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine at Paso del Norte

Officers discover 139.5 kilos of narcotics in one smuggling load

El PASO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 139.5 kilograms of narcotics hidden in one pickup truck at the Paso de Norte Port of Entry on Feb. 28.

CBP officers discovered the narcotics after a male Mexican national driving a white, 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck with Mexican license plates applied for admission into the United States at the port of entry.

A nonintrusive inspection technology scan assisted the officers in identifying anomalies in the vehicle. A canine-trained to detect hidden narcotics and concealed humans-indicated the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Upon further inspection, 122 bundles of narcotics were discovered. This includes 107 bundles of cocaine (122.84 kilograms), 13 bundles of fentanyl (14.86 kilograms), and two bundles of methamphetamine (1.84 kilograms).

"This a significant seizure of narcotics by our CBP officers at the port of entry. They have prevented a major narcotics load from entering the United States and causing harm to American citizens," said Ray Provencio, port director, Port of El Paso. "My congratulations to my officers for a job well done."

CBP officers arrested the driver, and the U.S. Attorney's Office has accepted federal prosecution on the case. CBP officers also seized the vehicle and narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations special agents will continue the investigation as part of the Homeland Security Task Force.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

• Topics
• Drug Seizure