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CBP Officers Make Significant Fentanyl Seizure

Release Date
Fri, 04/28/2017

TUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Nogales arrested a 28-year-old Mexican man Wednesday for attempting to smuggle 23 pounds of fentanyl.

Officers at the Dennis DeConcini crossing referred the man for a secondary inspection of his Chevy SUV as he attempted to enter through the SENTRI lane. A CBP narcotics-detection canine alerted to the vehicle’s dashboard area, where officers found the drugs behind the radio. The drugs are estimated to be worth approximately $378,000.

Officers seized 23 pounds of fentanyl that was hidden behind the radio
Officers seized 23 pounds of fentanyl
that was hidden behind the radio

According to information posted on DEA.gov, Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, prescribed for severe chronic pain, or breakthrough pain, to patients who are already receiving opioid medication. It is considered to be about 100 times more potent than morphine.

CBP officers seized the drugs, and turned the subject over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Oct 27, 2023