CBP Seizes 130+ Lbs of Drugs at San Diego Border Crossings
On a single Sunday in May, U.S. border officers stopped two cars at Southern California ports of entry — and found over 130 pounds of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine hidden inside. One driver was a Mexican national. The other was a U.S. citizen. Both now face federal charges.
Two Seizures, One Day: What Happened at the Border
On May 17, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made two major drug busts at ports of entry near San Diego. Together, the seizures totaled more than 130 pounds of narcotics with a combined street value of $383,091.
The first stop happened at the San Ysidro Port of Entry — one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. A CBP canine team alerted officers to a 2013 Honda Civic driven by a 30-year-old Mexican national woman. Officers sent the car to a secondary inspection area. An imaging system found something unusual behind the firewall — the metal wall between the engine and the passenger cabin. A physical search turned up six packages: about 7.89 pounds of white fentanyl powder worth an estimated $113,616, and 8.42 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $161,664.
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Later that same day, officers at the Calexico East Port of Entry stopped a 2011 Nissan Cube driven by a 30-year-old male U.S. citizen. An imaging scan showed anomalies under the vehicle's floor. Officers found a hidden compartment — not installed by the factory — containing 63 packages of methamphetamine. The total weight was about 119.79 pounds, with an estimated street value of $107,811. CBP seized both vehicles and arrested both drivers. They now face federal prosecution for narcotics importation.
What This Means for Immigrants at the Border
Being stopped at a port of entry — even for a routine check — can feel frightening, especially for immigrants. It is important to know that CBP officers have broad authority to inspect people and vehicles at the border. However, everyone, including non-citizens, has certain legal rights. If you are arrested at the border, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Non-citizens facing criminal charges related to drug smuggling may also face immigration consequences, including removal proceedings (the formal legal process to deport someone from the US).
What to Do
- If you are stopped at a port of entry: Stay calm, be polite, and answer basic questions about your identity and travel. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration history without a lawyer present if you are arrested.
- If you are arrested at the border: Clearly say that you want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Do not sign any documents you do not understand.
- If you are a non-citizen facing criminal charges: Contact an immigration lawyer immediately. A criminal conviction for drug importation can lead to removal proceedings and may permanently bar you from returning to the US.
- If a family member was arrested at the border: Contact a criminal defense attorney and an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Time matters — deadlines in immigration court can be as short as 30 days.
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A drug importation arrest at the border is one of the most serious situations a non-citizen can face — it can trigger mandatory detention and fast-track removal proceedings, sometimes with a hearing date in as little as 30 days. If the person has any immigration status, including a green card or pending application, that status may be at risk even before a criminal conviction. Anyone in this situation should retain both a criminal defense attorney and an immigration attorney immediately, as the two cases are closely linked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-citizen be deported just for being arrested at the border, even without a conviction?
An arrest alone does not automatically lead to deportation. However, CBP can detain someone and start removal proceedings (the formal process to deport a person) based on the circumstances of the arrest. A conviction makes deportation much more likely. Lawyers recommend getting legal help immediately after any arrest at the border.
Does a U.S. citizen face immigration consequences for drug smuggling charges?
No. U.S. citizens cannot be deported. However, they still face serious federal criminal charges for drug importation, which can mean prison time and heavy fines.
What rights do I have if CBP stops my car at a port of entry?
CBP officers have broad authority to inspect vehicles and people at the border without a warrant. If you are detained or arrested, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You should clearly state that you want to speak with a lawyer before answering questions beyond basic identification.
How quickly do I need to act if a family member is arrested at the border?
Very quickly. Immigration court deadlines can be as short as 30 days from the start of removal proceedings. The sooner you contact an immigration lawyer, the more options may be available to your family member.