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Driver Detained After Attempt to Evade CBP Officer’s Inspection

Release Date
Tue, 05/31/2022

  
CALEXICO, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico East Port of Entry, apprehended a driver that attempted to flee south into Mexico.
 
On May 23, at approximately 10 p.m., a 39-year-old driver applied for admission into the United States from Mexico, driving a 2005 blue Ford Ranger.  During the inspection, the CBP Officer referred the vehicle and driver for further examination.
 
CBP officers directed the driver to the inspection area.  The driver ignored officers’ instructions and drove his vehicle heading southbound to flee into Mexico.
 
CBP Officers quickly responded and apprehended the driver.  CBP officers drove the vehicle through a machine, similar to an x-ray, that revealed anomalies in the gas tank and spare tire of the vehicle.  A CBP officer with a human/narcotic detector dog screened the vehicle, and the dog alerted.  CBP officers searched the vehicle and removed a total of 175 packages of fentanyl concealed in the gas tank and spare tire, weighing a total of 106.57 pounds.
 
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $1.5 million.
 
“Transnational criminal organization’s attempts to smuggle these dangerous drugs is a constant battle our CBP officers see on a daily basis,” said Anne Maricich, CBP Deputy Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “I am glad that the officer’s quick response kept officers and travelers safe and that it did not end in a tragic incident.” 
 
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by Calexico CBP officers. 
 
The driver, a permanent resident, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt.  CBP officers turned the driver over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further disposition.
 
CBP officers at the border crossing in Southern California stop illegal activity while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States.  Those statistics can be found here: CBP-enforcement-statistics
 

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Jan 28, 2025