EL PASO, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Bridge of the Americas discovered fentanyl concealed in body cavities during a smuggling attempt on Nov. 17, resulting in the arrest of two U.S. citizens.
The seizure occurred just after midnight when a 33-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman entered the United States from Mexico through the pedestrian lanes. A CBP drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to the presence of narcotics during a secondary inspection. The female traveler removed a 3.1-ounce bundle of fentanyl hidden in her vaginal cavity, while the male traveler was found with a 4.2-ounce bundle concealed in his rectal cavity.
“Fentanyl interdiction remains an important element of the CBP enforcement mission,” said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations. “Stopping this dangerous product before it can make it into our communities will help save lives.”
Both individuals were arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. Federal prosecution has been accepted.
The fentanyl seizure was one of several enforcement actions recorded by CBP in the El Paso area over the weekend. Officers also seized 103 pounds of methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, and over 3,500 units of prescription and veterinary medications. Additionally, they made four arrests of individuals wanted on National Crime Information Center warrants and intercepted prohibited food products arriving from Mexico.
CBP emphasized the significance of these actions in preventing harmful substances and illegal activities from affecting U.S. communities.
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