In a historic drug seizure, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Lukeville successfully intercepted approximately 4 million blue fentanyl pills, weighing over 1,000 pounds. This groundbreaking operation represents the largest singular fentanyl seizure in CBP’s history. Such resolute actions by CBP officers reflect an unwavering determination to protect our nation and dismantle the criminal activities of ruthless drug cartels.
Every day, dedicated CBP officers and agents stand on the front line, utilizing their keen instincts and cutting-edge technology to prevent deadly drugs from infiltrating our country and endangering our communities. The recent seizure at the Port of Lukeville is a testament to their commitment and expertise.
On July 1, CBP officers identified a suspicious 20-year-old Arizona man, a U.S. citizen, driving a pick-up truck with a sport recreational vehicle on a utility trailer. The officers, conducting a thorough inspection, discovered anomalies throughout the trailer’s frame. With the assistance of a CBP canine team, they uncovered 234 packages of drugs concealed within the trailer. Shockingly, these packages contained around 4 million blue fentanyl pills, marking the largest fentanyl seizure in CBP history.
Guadalupe Ramirez, Director of Field Operations, Tucson Field Office, praised the Port of Lukeville for its exceptional performance in intercepting this record-breaking amount of dangerous drugs. This significant seizure has prevented these drugs from reaching communities across the United States, safeguarding countless lives.
Just days after the fentanyl seizure, CBP officers at the same port of entry made another significant interception. On July 12, a 45-year-old male Mexican citizen attempted to enter the U.S. with a 2007 Ford F1-50 pick-up truck towing a utility trailer. A comprehensive examination revealed 39 packages of methamphetamine totaling nearly 272 pounds, along with an additional five pounds of cocaine.
The estimated street value for these two seizures is a staggering $12.6 million. By seizing these illicit substances, CBP has dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking organizations, disrupting their illicit operations.
These remarkable fentanyl seizures were made possible through Operation Apollo-Arizona and Operation Plaza Spike. Operation Apollo-Arizona focuses on intelligence collection and targets drug and chemical supply chains, sharing and leveraging intelligence, and forming valuable partnerships. Furthermore, Operation Plaza Spike aims to disrupt the operations of plaza bosses and cartels facilitating the flow of deadly fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. These collective efforts strengthen enforcement intelligence and logistics, effectively combating trafficking networks.
CBP’s unwavering commitment to protecting our nation from drug cartel activities was vividly demonstrated with the largest singular fentanyl seizure in its history at the Port of Lukeville. These remarkable operations not only highlight CBP’s dedication but emphasize the critical role played by officers in safeguarding our borders. With each successful interception, CBP officers continue to fulfill their anti-terrorism mission, securing our nation’s ports and preserving public safety.