There was a massive raid at a California drug port of entry Monday that resulted in the seizure of more than 3 million fentanyl pills. The pills, with an estimated street value of $21.1 million, were hidden in a shipment of green beans that had been marked for intensive agricultural inspection by Customs and Border Protection agents. During the inspection, agents noticed irregularities and enlisted the help of a drug detector dog, which successfully alerted officers to the presence of drugs.
Upon discovery, officers found and seized a total of 308 packages that were concealed in a batch of green beans. Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the drugs found were indeed fentanyl. The pills, totaling 776 pounds, were seized by CBP officers along with the tractor and trailer used to transport them.
The driver of the tractor was taken into custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. This operation is a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking in the United States. Seizing such a large amount of fentanyl could save countless lives.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, and is responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths in the United States. The drug is often produced and shipped into the country from overseas, so seizures such as this one are critical in the fight against drug trafficking.
CBP works tirelessly to prevent drugs from entering the United States, with officers conducting thorough searches of both people and goods entering the country. The use of drug detection dogs is just one of the many tools CBP officers use to detect and seize illegal drugs. The success of this latest operation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of CBP officers, who put their lives on the line every day to keep the country safe.
Seizing so much fentanyl is a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking, but it is only one battle in an ongoing war. CBP will continue to work tirelessly to prevent illegal drugs from entering the U.S. and to keep society safe from the devastating consequences of drug abuse. This successful interception likely prevented countless overdoses and saved lives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and keep dangerous substances off the streets.
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