CBP Busy with Drug Busts, Fugitive Arrests and Farm Law Violations

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — It’s been a busy 10 days for U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso’s border crossings over the past 10 days.

CBP reports making multiple drug seizures, arresting fugitives and discovering multiple agricultural law violations, CBP said in a press release.

The largest drug bust during that period occurred on Aug. 19 at the Ysleta Port of Entry, when CBP agents operating under the recently announced Operation Apollo X enforcement surge seized 150 pounds of methamphetamine, the agency said.

CBP officers seized 150 pounds of methamphetamine at the Ysleta Port on August 19. Photos by CBP

The seizure occurred shortly after 4 p.m. when an 18-year-old U.S. citizen entered the port from Mexico. CBP officers at the primary inspection area selected his vehicle for a secondary X-ray scan that revealed numerous “anomalies” in the car’s appearance, CBP said.

According to a press release from the CBP, a CBP drug dog searched the car and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics.

CBP agents continued their investigation and found 129 bundles of methamphetamine in the door panels, roof, floor and rear bumper of the car, the press release said.

The driver was detained and turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

In addition to this drug seizure, CBP officers also seized other substances during the same time period, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana.

CBP officers also encountered 26 National Crime Information Center (NCIC) fugitives wanted by law enforcement. The NCIC arrests included people wanted on a variety of charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor, fraud, drug charges, theft and more, CBP said.

Agriculture specialist CBP also issued $3,125 in fines to 12 individuals caught transporting prohibited agricultural products from Mexico to the U.S. Items seized included pork, mangoes, pomegranates and live plants, CBP said.

The public is reminded to declare all products purchased abroad to CBP upon entry. If an item is declared and found to be prohibited, it can generally be left behind without consequence or penalty, CBP officials said.

CBP officers also seized two handguns and multiple rounds of ammunition during that time. They also recorded several intellectual property violations and seized more than $90,000 in unreported currency during that time, CBP said.

Individuals arrested by CBP agents were turned over to federal and/or state authorities for prosecution.