ANDRADE, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Andrade Port of Entry intercepted 71.29 pounds of blue fentanyl pills hidden in the spare tire of a truck.
On Tuesday, at approximately 10:22 a.m., CBP officers encountered a 46-year-old man driving a 1997 Ford truck seeking entry into the United States from Mexico. Following a preliminary inspection, officers referred the driver and vehicle to the secondary inspection area for further examination.
Utilizing non-intrusive scanning technology, CBP officers identified irregularities in the truck’s rear area, specifically in the spare tire compartment. A detailed examination revealed 60 packages of blue fentanyl pills, weighing a total of 71.29 pounds, concealed within the spare tire.
The narcotics and truck were seized, and the driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
“CBP is uniquely positioned to detect and seize illicit drugs entering the country, and our multifaceted approach keeps us one step ahead of transnational criminal organizations as they adapt their operations,” stated Roque Caza, Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico. “I am extremely proud of our officers’ innovative and relentless efforts to disrupt these drug smuggling attempts.”
This significant seizure is part of Operation Apollo, a comprehensive counter-fentanyl initiative launched on October 26, 2023, in Southern California and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo leverages intelligence collection and partnerships with local CBP field assets and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to enhance resources, collaboration, and target fentanyl smuggling into the United States.–News Desk