SAN DIEGO — A record-breaking fentanyl and cocaine seizure was made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Otay Mesa.
Officers found a record 360 pounds of fentanyl and cocaine hidden in a flatbed trailer on August 9, marking the largest fentanyl bust by CBP of the fiscal year.
According to CBP, officers encountered a man, 44, driving a commercial tractor-trailer with an empty flatbed attempting to enter the United States at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility.
Following an extensive examination, CBP officers found 77 packages of cocaine weighing more than 220 pounds and 50 packages of fentanyl powder weighing 133 pounds.
“This record-setting seizure is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking," said Rosa Hernandez Port Director for the Area Ports of Otay Mesa. “Concealing such a staggering quantity of fentanyl and cocaine within a flatbed trailer shows the lengths traffickers will go and further showcases the exceptional vigilance and hard work our officers perform on a daily basis.”
The suspect driving the truck was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security.
CBP says the record drug seizure is part of the department's initiative called Operation Apollo, a counter-fentanyl effort that started in October 2023. The operation started in Southern California and was expanded to Arizona.
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