Trust, but verify: CBP officers seize over $1.1 million in cocaine from trusted traveler at San Ysidro Port of Entry

SAN DIEGO - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry recently seized more than 60 pounds of cocaine worth more than $1.15 million concealed within a vehicle driven by a trusted traveler.

Officers referred a 25-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a 2020 Honda Civic for a secondary inspection. The driver was a participant in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection program.

During the secondary inspection, nonintrusive imaging technology revealed anomalies in the vehicle's doors, and a CBP canine team alerted officers to the presence of narcotics. A physical inspection revealed 20 packages containing 60.14 pounds of cocaine concealed within the doors.

"This arrest is a clear message that no one is above the law," said San Ysidro Port Director Mariza Marin. "We will hold everyone accountable for their actions, especially those who betray the trust of our traveler programs by attempting to smuggle dangerous narcotics."

CBP officers seized the narcotics, the vehicle and two cellphones. They arrested the driver, who faces federal prosecution for narcotics importation and smuggling.

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 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
• Arrests
• Border Security
• CBP Officers
• Cocaine
• Drug Seizure
• Drug Trafficking
• Office of Field Operations
• Smuggling
• Trusted Traveler Programs