Border Patrol Scores Record Heroin Seizure at San Ysidro, Cocaine Bust in Texas Follows
What appeared to be a routine evening at the border quickly turned into one of the largest drug seizures in U.S. history. Witnesses describe a seemingly ordinary truck rolling up to the San Ysidro Port of Entry, its driver calm and composed.
But beneath its unassuming exterior lay a hidden cargo worth millions. Within minutes, a standard inspection became a record-setting interception of illegal narcotics.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Nov. 5 that officers discovered an astonishing 290 pounds of heroin, valued at over $13 million, concealed inside a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado.
The driver, a Mexican national legally residing in the United States, was taken into custody.
The haul was hidden in multiple secret compartments, including the spare tire well, rear seats, air filter, glove box, fenders, front right fender flare, and the firewall. The seizure was prompted by a K-9 officer who detected narcotics near the spare tire compartment, leading to a thorough inspection that confirmed the extraordinary find.
Sidney Aki, director of CBP’s field office, hailed the discovery as a new agency record for heroin seizures. “This remarkable interception is the result of our officers’ unwavering alertness and the exceptional skills of both our personnel and their K-9 partners,” Aki said. “Every day, they stand on the front lines working to dismantle criminal operations and protect our communities.”
The success at San Ysidro comes shortly after another major interception. On Oct. 31, CBP officers at the Donna International Bridge in Texas seized approximately 43 pounds of cocaine, valued at $1.3 million. A 32-year-old Mexican driver, also unnamed, was arrested after officers discovered 19 packages of cocaine during a secondary inspection with K-9 support. Homeland Security Investigations agents subsequently launched a criminal investigation.
Conclusion
These consecutive busts underscore the ongoing challenges at U.S. border crossings. From the record-breaking heroin seizure in California to the significant cocaine confiscation in Texas, CBP officers and their K-9 teams continue to play a critical role in combating narcotics trafficking.
Each interception highlights the importance of vigilance, advanced detection methods, and trained personnel in keeping dangerous drugs out of American communities.