U.S. Citizen Arrested for Fentanyl Possession Following Traffic Stop in El Centro (Copy)

EL CENTRO, Calif. — Border Patrol agents apprehended a U.S. citizen for drug possession on Thursday, May 23, following an erratic driving incident on Interstate 8, east of Calexico. The suspect was found in possession of 133 pounds of fentanyl, valued at approximately $2 million.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the individual was observed swerving through traffic in a white vehicle around noon. Border Patrol agents initiated a vehicle stop due to the dangerous driving behavior.

During the stop, the driver provided inconsistent answers, prompting the agents to call in a K9 unit. The K9 team quickly alerted authorities to the vehicle’s floorboards. A search revealed an aftermarket compartment filled with packages wrapped in cellophane, containing thousands of blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl.

The driver, whose identity has not been released, was arrested and handed over to the Imperial County Narcotics Task Force for further investigation.

El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino commented on the arrest, stating, “Calexico Border Patrol agents are fiercely protective of their portion of the border, and this fentanyl smuggler, as well as all brands of smugglers, face that harsh reality time and again. I am proud of agents here in the premier sector, this being another example of why.”

This significant seizure is part of Operation Apollo, a counter-fentanyl effort that began in southern California on October 26, 2023, and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo focuses on intelligence collection and partnerships, utilizing local CBP field assets and collaboration with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to target the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States.