U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $67 million worth of illegal drugs at ports of entry in the San Diego area during July, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The seizures involved 144 smuggling attempts and a combined 8,359 pounds of narcotics. The enforcement activity took place across seven ports along the California-Mexico border, including the San Ysidro crossing.
Authorities said the seizures occurred as the administration continues efforts to strengthen security at the southern border. Separately, officers earlier this month found fentanyl concealed inside an electric moped entering the United States.
| 1) | July seizures covered multiple narcotics |
| 2) | Operations spanned San Diego ports of entry |
| 3) | Fentanyl was found in an electric moped |
| 4) | Officials described the seizures as a border security effort |
| 5) | Separate weapons interception involved multiple firearms |
July seizures covered multiple narcotics
CBP officers in the San Diego Field Office seized 8,359 pounds of illegal drugs between July 1 and July 31. The reported total included 553 pounds of fentanyl, 36 pounds of heroin, 2,572 pounds of cocaine and 5,077 pounds of methamphetamine.
DHS estimated the combined street value of the narcotics at more than $67 million. The seizures resulted from 144 separate smuggling attempts rather than one operation, reflecting activity detected during routine enforcement at multiple crossings.
Operations spanned San Diego ports of entry
The San Diego Field Office oversees seven ports of entry along the California-Mexico border. Officers made the July seizures while inspecting people, vehicles and other traffic entering the United States from Mexico.
The crossings serve a heavily used border corridor connecting the San Diego region with northern Mexico. Authorities did not identify every seizure location or provide a breakdown of the narcotics by individual port.
Fentanyl was found in an electric moped
Earlier in August, officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry found 16 pounds of fentanyl hidden inside an electric moped. The crossing connects San Diego with Tijuana, Mexico, and is one of the region’s principal international entry points.
A 22-year-old Mexican citizen was taken into custody in connection with that seizure and faced federal charges. Authorities estimated the fentanyl’s street value at nearly $240,000. The case illustrates how smugglers may conceal narcotics inside ordinary vehicles or equipment to move them through a port of entry.
Officials described the seizures as a border security effort
The July enforcement results were announced as the administration pursues a broader crackdown focused on securing the southern border. CBP officials said their work is intended to prevent dangerous narcotics from reaching communities in the United States.
“Day after day, our officers remain steadfast in their mission to protect our communities and secure our borders. These significant narcotics seizures reflect their vigilance, professionalism, and commitment to keeping dangerous drugs out of the United States.”
Sidney Aki, CBP San Diego director of field operations, credited officers with carrying out the inspections and seizures. The agency provided the reported drug totals and estimated values through DHS.
Separate weapons interception involved multiple firearms
CBP also recently announced a separate interception involving a vehicle traveling from Arizona into Mexico. Officers stopped the vehicle after finding a tube for a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and additional weapons, according to authorities.
The reported cache included four rifles, an Avtomat Kalashnikova AK-style pistol, 16 AK rifles, 24 rifle magazines, 16 rifle stocks and 20 pistol grips. The weapons case was separate from the July drug seizures in San Diego and was not included in the $67 million narcotics estimate.
| 1 | More than $67 million in drugs was seized during July. |
| 2 | Officers reported 8,359 pounds of narcotics from 144 smuggling attempts. |
| 3 | The seizures included fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. |
| 4 | A separate case involved fentanyl hidden in an electric moped at San Ysidro. |
| 5 | Authorities also reported a separate vehicle interception involving firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher tube. |
Summary
The July seizures represent a substantial volume of narcotics intercepted at San Diego-area ports of entry. DHS said the results came from 144 enforcement actions involving multiple drug types, while a separate fentanyl case and an unrelated weapons interception highlighted the range of contraband authorities are screening for along the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much illegal drugs did CBP seize in July?
CBP seized 8,359 pounds of drugs with an estimated street value of more than $67 million, according to DHS.
Which drugs were included in the seizures?
The reported seizures included 553 pounds of fentanyl, 36 pounds of heroin, 2,572 pounds of cocaine and 5,077 pounds of methamphetamine.
Where was the fentanyl-filled moped found?
Officers found 16 pounds of fentanyl hidden inside an electric moped at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, which connects San Diego and Tijuana.
Was the weapons seizure part of the $67 million drug total?
No. The vehicle carrying firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher tube was described as a separate interception and was not included in the July narcotics estimate.
