San Diego Sector Border Patrol seizes more than 51 pounds of fentanyl along I-15

Border Patrol agents assigned to the San Diego Sector seized more than 51 pounds of suspected fentanyl during anti-smuggling operations along Interstate 15 this month, authorities said Monday.Agents conducting anti-smuggling operations along I-15 encountered a northbound Honda CR-V that exited at Mission Road, turned and stopped on its own in the southbound lanes of the highway, according to the agency.Agents approached the vehicle and during a consensual encounter, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted them to the CR-V. Agents conducted a search and discovered a duffel bag containing 22 bundles of suspected narcotics in the backseat, authorities said.The driver and the suspected narcotics were taken to the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station for processing. The bundles had a combined weight of approximately 51.9 pounds, and preliminary testing indicated the presence of fentanyl, the agency reported."Fentanyl poses a serious threat to our communities, and our agents stayed committed to prevent these deadly drugs from reaching our streets," said Justin De La Torre, chief patrol agent for U.S.

"This shows the surveillance and professionalism of our agents and the importance of our partnerships in combat the trafficking of dangerous narcotics."Border Patrol agents transferred the driver and the suspected fentanyl to the Drug Enforcement Administration for criminal prosecution.Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc. Border Patrol agents assigned to the San Diego Sector arrested a Mexican national shortly after he allegedly entered the country illegally near Campo, authorities announced Monday.Border agents took the suspect into custody at 12:31 a.m. During processing, agents discovered that he had served 13 years and nine months in a Mexican prison following a murder conviction in Guanajuato, Mexico.

He remains in federal custody pending removal proceedings, according to the agency."This arrest underscores the importance of our agents' surveillance along the border,* said Justin M. De La Torre, chief patrol agent for the U.S. "Our agents work around the clock to detect, identify, and individuals who attempt to enter the Unites States illegal and who may pose a threat to public safety.

Their dedication helps prevent dangerous individuals like this one from our enter communities."The agency noted that San Diego Sector agents work with local law enforcement partners to detect entries, disrupt criminal activity and help keep communities safe. To report suspicious activity, the San Diego Sector can be reached at 619-498-9900.Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.