US Customs and Border Patrol officers made history this week with the largest seizure of fentanyl in agency history. During a routine stop at the Port of Lukeville in Arizona, officers discovered over half a ton of the deadly opioid in a pickup truck hauling a sports recreation vehicle on a trailer. Despite the driver being only 20 years old, officers noticed anomalies in the frame of the trailer, leading them to further inspect the vehicle. This inspection revealed 234 packages containing approximately 4 million blue fentanyl pills hidden in the frame.
CBP Senior Official Troy Miller highlighted the significance of the seizure, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting the nation and disrupting the activities of drug cartels. The massive bust serves as a testament to the dedication of CBP officers and agents who work tirelessly to prevent dangerous drugs from entering the country and harming communities. The seizure at the Port of Lukeville marks a significant milestone in CBP’s efforts to combat drug trafficking.
In addition to the fentanyl seizure, CBP agents at the Port of Lukeville made another major bust on July 12 when they seized 272 pounds of methamphetamine from a Mexican citizen driving a pickup truck towing a trailer. With the help of a K9 team, officers discovered 39 packages of methamphetamine and an additional five pounds of cocaine hidden in the vehicle. The total estimated street value of the seized drugs from both incidents exceeds $12.6 million.
Director of Field Operations Guadalupe Ramirez commended the efforts of officers at the Port of Lukeville in preventing large quantities of dangerous drugs from reaching communities in the United States. The significant impact of these drug seizures highlights the importance of border security and the role of CBP in safeguarding the country from the illegal drug trade. The successful operations at the Port of Lukeville demonstrate the effectiveness of CBP’s approach to intercepting illicit substances entering the country.
The arrests made in connection to the fentanyl and methamphetamine seizures underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking along the US-Mexico border. As drug cartels continue to smuggle illicit substances into the country, CBP officers remain vigilant in their efforts to intercept and prevent the flow of drugs that pose a significant threat to public health and safety. The dedication and expertise of CBP personnel play a crucial role in disrupting criminal activities and protecting communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The Port of Lukeville, located southeast of Tucson, serves as a critical point of entry where CBP officers carry out inspections and screenings to intercept illegal activities and substances. The recent drug seizures at the port highlight the importance of border security measures in detecting and preventing the trafficking of dangerous drugs. As CBP continues to enhance its enforcement efforts, the agency remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across the United States.
