Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the southern U.S. border recently intercepted and confiscated narcotics valued at over $300,000 from two different vehicles within a single day. This occurrence underscores the persistent attempts by smugglers to transport illegal substances across the border.
Major Seizures at San Ysidro and Calexico East Ports
On May 17, CBP agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry flagged a 2013 Honda Civic for further inspection. Utilizing an imaging system, officers identified suspicious anomalies in the vehicle’s firewall, leading to the discovery of six packages of white fentanyl powder valued at approximately $113,600, alongside 8.4 pounds of cocaine, worth around $161,600.
“Sunday may be a day of rest for many, but criminals don’t take days off, and neither do our CBP officers,” said San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki.
Meanwhile, at the Calexico East Port of Entry, located roughly 100 miles from San Ysidro, agents carried out a secondary inspection on a 2011 Nissan Cube. This inspection revealed 63 packets of methamphetamine hidden within the vehicle’s flooring.
Successful Efforts Amid Declining Border Crossings
Although border crossings have significantly dropped, with encounters decreasing from over 144,000 in December 2024 to about 10,000 by April 2026, CBP continues to combat smuggling attempts involving narcotics, weapons, and human trafficking. These operations are aligned with strategies established under President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Notably, CBP has thwarted various high-profile smuggling endeavors, including intercepting a vehicle carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a semi-truck packed with immigrants.
CBP stated, “CBP officers along the southwest border stop illegal activity, including the smuggling of drugs and humans, and facilitate lawful entry for millions of legitimate travelers into the United States.”
Ongoing Commitment to Border Security
The agency remains committed to robustly securing the border through vigilant monitoring and prompt response actions, demonstrating its dedicated pursuit to prevent illegal activities while supporting legitimate travel.
Leo Briceno reports on politics for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. Previously, he was a reporter at World Magazine.