EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte crossing intercepted 37 pounds of fentanyl in three separate failed smuggling attempts in less than 48 hours, U.S. CBP announced in a news release Wednesday, Feb. 7.
“CBP is on the front line of America’s fight against fentanyl and other dangerous drugs,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “As the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs from entering the country and preventing these deadly substances from entering our communities and taking lives.”
First incident – Monday, Feb. 5.
A 20-year-old female, U.S. citizen, arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lines when was referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle, which included screening by a CBP canine and pat down search, according to CBP.
CBP says that after conducting a thorough examination, CBP officers located multiple fentanyl filled packages with a combined weight of 36.64 pounds, concealed within the vehicle’s spare tire.