El Paso Sees Seizure of Over 124 Pounds of Cocaine and Fentanyl in One Week

Significant Drug Seizures Amid Border Policy Criticisms

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in the El Paso region have reportedly confiscated more than 124 pounds of fentanyl and cocaine in four separate incidents last week. This comes in the wake of criticisms over perceived lax border policies.

Details of the Drug Seizures

On April 30, CBP officers at the Bridge of the Americas intercepted 42.5 pounds of cocaine. The drugs were hidden inside a Hyundai Elantra vehicle, allegedly driven by a 48-year-old American citizen. The officers spotted irregularities in the vehicle's appearance using the Low Energy Portal inspection system, leading to the discovery of the drugs.

On May 1, 11.2 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the El Paso Ysleta Port of Entry. The drugs were concealed in a Seat Ibiza vehicle, allegedly being transported by a 26-year-old Mexican national. The vehicle was selected for a secondary exam, leading to the discovery of the fentanyl in the central console area.

Two additional cocaine seizures were made by El Paso CBP officers last week, totaling 70.8 pounds. The individuals arrested were handed over to federal authorities.

Comments from CBP and Former President Trump

Hector A. Mancha, CBP El Paso’s director of field operations, praised the work of the CBP workforce in preventing the drugs from causing harm in the communities. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump blamed the Biden administration’s open border policies for fueling fatal drug overdoses in the United States.

Trump's and Biden's Stances on Drug Inflow

On his campaign website, President Trump claimed that during his administration, he used the full power of government to prevent the inflow of drugs into the country, driving down drug overdose deaths for the first time in three decades. The Biden administration, on the other hand, said it was taking steps to counter the drug issue. In February, two senior administration officials announced that the United States and Mexico would boost data sharing to curb the inflow of synthetic drugs into America.

Fentanyl Crisis and China's Role

The fentanyl crisis facing the United States is problematic since it is not solely a drug issue but a geopolitical concern as well. Much of the fentanyl entering the United States comes from China. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) attributes 97 percent of illicit fentanyl coming into the United States to entities operating in China. A report by the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party detailed how China is fueling the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

Call for Border Control

Most of the illicit fentanyl in the United States is manufactured in Mexico from precursors bought from China, highlighting the importance of having full control over the border. This month, Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) wrote a letter to President Biden asking him to use his executive authority to shut down the southern border to deal with the issue of illegal immigrants and drugs.

Final Thoughts

This article sheds light on the ongoing drug issue at the U.S. border and the geopolitical implications it carries. It raises questions about the effectiveness of current border policies and the need for international cooperation to tackle this crisis. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you believe more stringent border controls are the solution, or should the focus be on international cooperation to halt the production and trafficking of these drugs? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is everyday at 6pm, to stay informed about such important issues.