Trump touts securing southern border as fentanyl deaths plummet
In a recent interview with Trace Gallagher, President Donald Trump heralded the dramatic reduction in fentanyl-related deaths and the influx of illegal drugs by sea. Trump stated that the implementation of enhanced border security has curtailed maritime drug smuggling by 97 percent, which he says has been crucial in saving countless lives. The president also expressed frustration over the lack of media coverage regarding these developments at the southern border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recently uncovered over 16 pounds of fentanyl, worth nearly $240,000 on the street, cleverly concealed inside an electric moped. The discovery was made as the vehicle attempted to cross into the United States via the southern border.
Following the seizure, a 22-year-old Mexican national now faces federal charges, according to CBP.
The individual was stopped on August 3 while attempting entry into the United States on a 2024 Revoo electric moped. The situation escalated to a secondary inspection, which led to the drug discovery.
Meanwhile, National Guard officers have implemented checkpoints to inspect vehicles before they cross into the United States, as depicted at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on February 6, 2025, in Tijuana, Mexico. (Photo by Francisco Vega/Getty Images)
According to CBP, officers used a nonintrusive imaging system that detected anomalies beneath the rear of the moped.
After a CBP canine alerted officers to the area, a physical inspection uncovered seven packages containing 16.53 pounds of white fentanyl powder with an estimated street value of $238,032.
“Smugglers are employing innovative tactics to smuggle lethal drugs into the country,” San Ysidro Port Director Mariza Marin said in a statement.
“Despite these challenges, officers remain vigilant while effectively utilizing their training, canine resources, and nonintrusive technology to thwart these smuggling attempts,” Marin added.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than 16 pounds of fentanyl hidden inside an electric moped during a secondary inspection, authorities said. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
CBP officers seized the fentanyl, moped, a GPS tracker and a cellphone.
The driver was arrested and will face federal prosecution for narcotics importation, officials said.
The seizure comes after CBP officers stopped two separate vehicles and confiscated more than $300,000 worth of narcotics in a single day in May.
Officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry referred a 2013 Honda Civic for secondary inspection on May 17 after a scan detected anomalies in the vehicle’s firewall.
FEDS SEIZE $6.4M WORTH OF COCAINE ABOARD OIL TANKER AT PORT OF LOS ANGELES, ARREST SUSPECTED CARTEL SMUGGLER
CBP officers seized seven packages containing 16.53 pounds of fentanyl powder with an estimated street value of $238,032, according to authorities. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Officials discovered six packages containing white fentanyl powder worth an estimated $113,600, along with 8.4 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $161,600.
That same day at the Calexico East Port of Entry, about 100 miles away, officers referred a 2011 Nissan Cube for secondary inspection.
A scan detected anomalies in the vehicle’s flooring, where officers subsequently discovered 63 packages of methamphetamine, according to CBP.