Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents intercepted two vehicles and confiscated more than $300,000 worth of drugs over a single day. This highlights the ongoing attempts by smugglers to transport narcotics across the southern U.S. border, even as immigration numbers have decreased recently.
On May 17, agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry flagged a 2013 Honda Civic for further inspection. Using an imaging system, they found anomalies in the vehicle’s firewall that led to the discovery of six packages of white fentanyl powder valued at approximately $113,600 and 8.4 pounds of cocaine worth around $161,600.
Later that day at the Calexico East Port of Entry, located roughly 100 miles away, authorities sent a 2011 Nissan Cube for secondary inspection. Upon scanning, they detected anomalies in its flooring and uncovered 63 packets of methamphetamine.
Officials expressed their recognition for the agent’s efforts in these detections. San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki remarked that, while Sunday might be a day off for many, criminals do not rest, and neither do the officers. Aki emphasized their vigilance and dedication to preventing dangerous drugs from entering the country.
Since late 2024, border crossings have dramatically declined from over 144,000 encounters in December 2024 to only 10,000 in April 2026. Despite the drop in immigration, CBP continues to face numerous notable smuggling attempts involving weapons, narcotics, and human trafficking.
Recent CBP reports reveal interdiction efforts such as stopping a vehicle carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and detecting immigrants crammed into a semi-truck. Additionally, they detained a boat off the Dominican Republic’s coast with helicopter support.
CBP states their commitment to halting illegal activities, including drug and human smuggling, while facilitating lawful entry for millions of travelers into the United States.
Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital, previously affiliated with World Magazine.