U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized over 16 pounds of fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $238,032, concealed inside an electric moped at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. A 22-year-old Mexican national is facing federal charges in connection with the discovery.
Authorities reported that the incident occurred on August 3, when the driver of a 2024 Revoo electric moped applied for admission into the United States and was subsequently referred for a secondary inspection. During this inspection, officers utilized an nonintrusive imaging system, which revealed anomalies beneath the rear of the moped. A subsequent physical inspection, following an alert from a CBP canine, uncovered seven packages containing the fentanyl powder.
San Ysidro Port Director Mariza Marin stated that smugglers are employing innovative tactics to introduce lethal drugs into the country. She added that CBP officers remain vigilant and utilize their training, canine resources, and technology to counter these smuggling attempts.
In addition to the fentanyl, CBP officers confiscated the moped, a GPS tracker, and a cellphone. The driver was arrested and will face federal prosecution for narcotics importation.
This seizure is part of ongoing efforts to interdict illicit substances at the border. In May, CBP officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry seized six packages of fentanyl powder, valued at approximately $113,600, and 8.4 pounds of cocaine, valued at about $161,600, from a vehicle. On the same day at the Calexico East Port of Entry, officers discovered 63 packages of methamphetamine concealed within the flooring of another vehicle.
Former President Donald Trump has previously highlighted a significant decrease in fentanyl deaths and drugs entering the country by sea, claiming that border security measures under his administration reduced maritime drug smuggling by 97 percent. He suggested that this positive development at the southern border was not receiving adequate media coverage.
