In an effort to outsmart law enforcement, drug traffickers tried hiding drugs on car roofs, but federal agents successfully disrupted their plans, seizing nearly $3 million worth of fentanyl and methamphetamine during two separate operations in April.
The most significant bust happened on April 19, when agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended a 27-year-old man from Mexico driving a 2019 Honda Pilot at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. A scan of the vehicle indicated something unusual above the cabin.
Canine units confirmed the suspicion. Upon investigation, agents had to demolish the roof of the car, discovering 94 concealed packages. Inside, they found approximately 35 pounds of fentanyl powder, valued at about $2 million, alongside more than 80 pounds of methamphetamine worth roughly $80,550.
The authorities seized the drugs and the SUV, arresting the driver who is now facing federal charges for drug importation.
Just a few days earlier, on April 13, the same location saw officers intercepting another vehicle where they found a package hidden in the rear quarter panel. This vehicle was driven by a 20-year-old Mexican and scanned after canine alerts raised red flags.
The scan revealed a discrepancy in the panel, ultimately leading to the discovery of six packages containing 14.02 pounds of fentanyl—equivalent to around 509,818 pills—with an estimated street value of $764,727. The suspect was also taken into custody.
In both cases, authorities seized drugs, vehicles, and mobile phones, with federal prosecutors now overseeing the investigations. “Smugglers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to hide perilous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine,” noted Mariza Marin, the San Isidro Port Director. She expressed pride in the diligence of CBP officers, who, with support from canine teams and advanced technology, are committed to preventing such drugs from reaching communities.
This crackdown aligns with heightened border enforcement that has characterized the period under President Trump. Officials have indicated that it reflects ongoing efforts to tighten border controls.
March 2026 recorded just under 9,000 encounters nationwide at the southwestern border—reportedly the lowest risk level seen in over a year. Additionally, in April 2026, there were no illegal immigrant releases into the interior of the U.S. for the eleventh consecutive month.
Data shows fentanyl seizures at the southern border dropped to 11,486 pounds in 2025, marking a 46% decrease from the previous year and the lowest volume since 2021. Similarly, seizures of heroin and marijuana have also seen declines, with marijuana reaching its lowest levels in two decades.
Despite this, law enforcement efforts in Southern California remain robust. The San Diego field office reported that between April 19th and 25th, nearly $200,000 worth of contraband, approximately 5,100 pounds of drugs, and 97 arrests were made. Additionally, police intercepted 158 pounds of methamphetamine at the Otay Mesa port, indicating that traffickers are still resorting to bold smuggling tactics even amid heightened scrutiny.
