U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 16.53 pounds of fentanyl hidden inside an electric moped at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Authorities estimated the drugs’ street value at $238,032. A 22-year-old Mexican national was arrested and is facing federal charges related to narcotics importation. The discovery followed a secondary inspection using imaging technology, a canine alert and a physical search.
The seizure occurred on Aug. 3, when the man attempted to enter the United States while driving a 2024 Revoo electric moped. Officers said the inspection also resulted in the seizure of the moped, a cellphone and a GPS tracker.
| 1) | Inspection identifies concealed cargo |
| 2) | Fentanyl seizure leads to federal case |
| 3) | Officials describe layered enforcement methods |
| 4) | Earlier seizures highlight broader activity |
| 5) | Evidence was taken into federal custody |
Inspection identifies concealed cargo
The inspection took place at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after the driver applied for admission to the United States on Aug. 3. Officers referred him and the 2024 Revoo electric moped for a secondary examination after initial screening raised concerns.
CBP personnel used a nonintrusive imaging system that showed anomalies beneath the rear portion of the moped. A CBP canine then alerted officers to the same area, prompting a physical inspection. The combined use of technology, canine resources and officer training led to the discovery of seven packages containing white fentanyl powder.
Fentanyl seizure leads to federal case
Authorities said the packages contained 16.53 pounds of fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $238,032. The driver, identified by officials only as a 22-year-old Mexican national, was arrested after the drugs were found.
The case is being handled as a federal narcotics-importation matter. The seizure does not establish a conviction, and the defendant will face the federal judicial process. Officials did not provide additional details about a scheduled court appearance or possible sentence.
Officials describe layered enforcement methods
San Ysidro Port Director Mariza Marin said smugglers are using increasingly inventive methods to move dangerous drugs across the border. She said officers continue to rely on training, canine teams and nonintrusive inspection systems to identify concealed narcotics.
“Smugglers are employing innovative tactics to smuggle lethal drugs into the country,” Marin said. “Despite these challenges, officers remain vigilant while effectively utilizing their training, canine resources, and nonintrusive technology to thwart these smuggling attempts.”
The inspection illustrates how officers can combine several screening methods before opening a vehicle or other conveyance. In this case, the imaging anomaly and canine alert directed the physical search to the hidden compartment beneath the moped’s rear section.
Earlier seizures highlight broader activity
CBP said the moped seizure followed two separate vehicle seizures on the same day in May, when officers confiscated narcotics with a combined estimated value exceeding $300,000. Those incidents occurred at the San Ysidro and Calexico East ports of entry, which are both in Southern California.
At San Ysidro on May 17, officers referred a 2013 Honda Civic for a secondary inspection after a scan detected anomalies in the vehicle’s firewall. They found six packages of white fentanyl powder valued at about $113,600 and 8.4 pounds of cocaine estimated at $161,600.
The same day at the Calexico East Port of Entry, about 100 miles from San Ysidro, officers referred a 2011 Nissan Cube for inspection. A scan detected irregularities in the vehicle’s flooring, where officers found 63 packages of methamphetamine.
Evidence was taken into federal custody
Following the Aug. 3 discovery, officers seized the fentanyl and the electric moped used to transport it. They also took custody of a cellphone and a GPS tracker as part of the investigation.
The driver was arrested and referred for federal prosecution. The available information identifies the suspected method of concealment and the items seized, but authorities have not disclosed who else may have been involved or where the drugs were allegedly headed inside the United States.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | CBP found seven packages containing 16.53 pounds of fentanyl. |
| 2 | The drugs were concealed beneath the rear of a 2024 Revoo electric moped. |
| 3 | The estimated street value of the fentanyl was $238,032. |
| 4 | A 22-year-old Mexican national was arrested and faces federal prosecution. |
Summary
The seizure at San Ysidro demonstrates how border officers used imaging, canine screening and a physical search to identify fentanyl concealed in an unconventional vehicle. The arrest and federal referral now place the case in the judicial system, while the additional May seizures underscore continued narcotics enforcement at Southern California ports of entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fentanyl was seized?
Authorities said officers recovered 16.53 pounds of white fentanyl powder in seven packages.
Where was the fentanyl found?
It was found beneath the rear section of a 2024 Revoo electric moped at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
Who was arrested?
CBP said a 22-year-old Mexican national driving the moped was arrested and faces federal charges for narcotics importation.
What items did officers seize?
In addition to the fentanyl, officers seized the electric moped, a cellphone and a GPS tracker.
