CBP officers seize over 262 pounds of cocaine at San Ysidro port of entry

SAN DIEGO - On Sept. 22, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry seized more than 262 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $5 million, from inside a commercial passenger bus. Officers referred a Mexican national driving a 2004 MCI Dina commercial bus for a secondary inspection after he applied for entry into the United States.

During the examination, a nonintrusive inspection system detected anomalies in the vehicle's gas tank. A CBP canine team also alerted officers to the vehicle's gas tank. Using additional inspection tools, officers examined the gas tank and discovered signs of tampering and a nonfactory compartment.

CBP officers seized 110 packages concealed inside the gas tank. The packages contained 262.21 pounds of cocaine. The driver faces state prosecution for the importation of narcotics, and CBP officers canceled his visa, affecting his eligibility for future entry into the United States.

"This seizure demonstrates the exceptional work being done by our CBP officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry," said Port Director Mariza Marin. "Our officers understand the importance of every inspection and the responsibility that comes with protecting our nation's borders. Through their experience, the effective use of nonintrusive technology, and the support of our canine teams, more than 262 pounds of cocaine were intercepted. This is the level of vigilance and teamwork that makes a difference in keeping dangerous narcotics out of our communities."

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the dedicated men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, alongside our law enforcement partners, have arrested and removed thousands of criminal aliens from the country - including gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers - to make our communities safer.

Follow the director of CBP's San Diego Field Office on X and Instagram at @DFOSanDiegoCA for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

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 70,000+ 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
• Border Security
• Cocaine
• Drug Seizure
• U.S. Border Patrol