CBP's San Diego Field Office seals the month of August with over $21 million in seized narcotics

SAN DIEGO - CBP officers from the San Diego Field Office ports of entry sealed the month of August with notable figures, successfully seizing 10,827 pounds of narcotics worth millions of dollars in 108 separate incidents.

While conducting security operations, CBP officers seized 9,525 pounds of methamphetamine, 968 pounds of cocaine, 298 pounds of fentanyl, and 36 pounds of heroin, an estimated street value of over $21 million dollars. The narcotics intercepted were encountered in 108 separate incidents. All suspects involved in the incidents were arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The narcotics and associated vehicles used to smuggle drugs into the United States were seized by CBP officers.

Twelve packages of cocaine are discovered concealed within a maroon colored pick-up truck.

The San Diego Field Office encompasses ports of entry within Southern California to include San Ysidro, San Diego air and seaport, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico East/West and Andrade. San Diego CBP officers are committed to continue working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking networks.

In another August bust, CBP officers seize more than 13 pounds of illicit fentanyl pills.

"At the San Diego Field Office, our mission is clear: to protect our borders, safeguard our nation, and ensure the safety of our communities," said Sidney K. Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations for San Diego. "These numbers highlight our successful efforts in employing a multi-faceted approach to dismantle transnational criminal organizations. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and fostering vital partnerships, we are enhancing our capabilities to disrupt drug smuggling operations and prevent narcotics from entering our communities."

CBP officers discover more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine concealed under the rear seats of a vehicle in a single August smuggling event.

These seizures are the result of Operation Apollo, a holistic counter-fentanyl effort that began on Oct. 26, 2023, in southern California, and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo focuses on intelligence collection and partnerships, and utilizes local CBP field assets augmented by federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to boost resources, increase collaboration, and target the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.