Trusted traveler arrested with methamphetamine at Calexico port

Above: Archive image

“At approximately 4:33 p.m., officers encountered a 34-year-old woman driving a 2019 sedan attempting to enter the United States from Mexico using the SENTRI Trusted Traveler Program vehicle lanes. After the initial inspection, CBP officers referred the driver and vehicle for further investigation.

In the area of ​​the second inspection, a non-invasive vehicle scan was conducted using a port imaging system. CBP officers observed irregularities on the door panels and dashboard. A CBP K-9 team responded and alerted to the presence of narcotics.

Officers discovered and stole a total of 91 packages hidden in the doors and dashboard of the vehicle. The contents of the packages were examined and identified as methamphetamine with a total weight of 41.9 kg.

“Drug traffickers are looking for easy ways to get drugs across the border and may be targeting members of the Trusted Traveler Program,” said Port Director Roque Caza of the Area Port of Calexico. “We want to remind travelers that they are responsible for themselves, their passengers, their vehicle and its contents when crossing the border.”

The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP officers and the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

This seizure is the result of Operation Apollo, a holistic anti-fentanyl operation that began in Southern California on October 26, 2023, and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo focuses on intelligence gathering and partnerships, leveraging local CBP field resources augmented by federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to increase resources, increase collaboration, and combat the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America’s front line: the nation’s largest law enforcement agency and the world’s first unified border protection agency. CBP’s more than 65,000 men and women protect America on the ground, in the air, and at sea. We enable safe, legal travel and commerce and ensure our nation’s economic prosperity. We improve the nation’s security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.”

Seized drugs | Courtesy of USBP

Originally published by US Customs & Border Control

Trusted traveler arrested with methamphetamine at Calexico port was last modified: July 8, 2024 from Administrator