Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego pulled more than 70 pounds of suspected cocaine out of the cargo stream during an inspection, officials said, calling the find a major hit on cross-border smuggling.
In a post on X, Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki praised officers for stopping what he called a dangerous load and reminded followers that Trusted Traveler Program membership is a privilege, not a guarantee of sailing through inspection. His brief update listed the haul at 72.53 pounds but did not identify any suspects or explain how the narcotics were hidden.
🚨 Dangerous narcotics stopped at the border. 🚨@CBP officers at the #OtayMesaPOE intercepted 72.53 llbs of cocaine. TTP membership is a privilege. All travelers remain subject to inspection. We stay vigilant to stop smugglers and protect our communities.#OFOProud#CBPpic.twitter.com/Zb4F8rCMgf
— Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki (@DFOSanDiegoCA) July 11, 2026
Part of a larger run of interceptions
The Otay Mesa bust is the latest in a steady drumbeat of major drug seizures at San Diego-area ports this summer. According to agency figures, CBP officers intercepted more than 43,000 pounds of narcotics at California ports in June alone. Local reports have noted that several of those big catches have come through Otay Mesa, with quick-hit social media posts from the San Diego Field Office often landing before more detailed operational reports…