U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized than 80 pounds of suspected cocaine and fentanyl at the Blue Water Bridge Friday. Blue Water Bridge Drug Bust
San Diego, California – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers with the San Diego Office of Field Operations seized more than 7,570 pounds of illicit narcotics in April, a massive haul valued at over $29 million on the street, according to a statement released by the agency.
Authorities intercepted the narcotics in 106 separate smuggling attempts at ports of entry along California’s border with Mexico, including San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Andrade, Calexico East and West, and the San Diego airport and seaport.
The April seizures included 4,413 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,748 pounds of cocaine, 404 pounds of fentanyl, and 5 pounds of heroin. Smugglers hid the drugs in creative and hard-to-detect places within vehicles, such as non-factory compartments, car batteries, engine bays, spare tires, and roof panels.
“Our mission is rooted in protecting our borders, defending our nation, and upholding the safety of those we serve,” said Sidney K. Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations for San Diego. “By leveraging leading-edge technology and strengthening critical partnerships, we are significantly enhancing our ability to disrupt drug smuggling operations and prevent illicit narcotics from infiltrating our communities.”
The seizures come as transnational criminal organizations increasingly use sophisticated methods to traffic drugs into the U.S. CBP officials emphasized that continued innovation and collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners are essential to staying ahead of smuggling operations.
“These significant figures emphasize the success of our comprehensive strategies,” Aki added. “Teamwork, attention to detail, and strong partnerships are what make these operations successful.”
Fentanyl, in particular, has become a significant focus for U.S. border enforcement due to its extreme potency and role in the country’s ongoing opioid crisis. A dose as small as two milligrams can be lethal, and the 404 pounds seized in April represent enough to potentially kill millions of people.
CBP’s San Diego Field Office plays a critical role in the national fight against narcotics trafficking, given its location and volume of cross-border traffic. The agency said it remains committed to intensifying efforts to intercept drugs before they reach American communities.
As traffickers adapt and evolve, CBP officers say they are prepared to meet new challenges with vigilance, advanced technology, and a deep commitment to public safety.
