Federal agents at the U.S.–Mexico border seized nearly 80 pounds of cocaine from an American citizen attempting to enter the country with the drugs, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) exclusively told The Epoch Times on Wednesday.
The suspect is now facing prosecution for allegedly hiding illegal narcotics, which were discovered on April 28 at the San Clemente Border Patrol Station in San Diego County, with an estimated street value of nearly $1.5 million.
“This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our agents play in disrupting transnational drug trafficking operations,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre.
Border Patrol agents at the San Clemente entry stopped a vehicle the morning of April 28 heading northbound on the Interstate 5 freeway, CBP said, when a K-9 alerted authorities to narcotics within the car.
Upon a search, agents found 29 packages of suspected illegal drugs hidden under a custom compartment on the floor of the vehicle, according to the agency.
The contents of the 29 packages weighed in total 78.04 pounds. Photos provided to The Epoch Times by CBP show the trunk of the suspect’s car stacked full of the plastic-wrapped packages and a narcotics testing device with a positive reading for cocaine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of both the narcotics and the driver, who was not identified by CBP. The individual’s vehicle was seized by Border Patrol.
“The vigilance of our agents, the capability of our K-9 teams, and our strong partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration were all instrumental in keeping these drugs off our streets and protecting our communities,” De La Torre said.
This encounter comes as the CBP under the Trump administration is making increased drug seizures across the country compared with the agency under the prior administration.
Federal agents at the U.S.–Mexico border seized nearly 80 pounds of cocaine from an American citizen attempting to enter the country with the drugs. The individual was stopped at the San Clemente entry in California on April 28, 2026. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)About a month ago, another U.S. citizen was arrested at California’s San Ysidro Port of Entry for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 60 pounds of cocaine, worth more than $1.1 million, into the country.
The CBP described the 25-year-old man as a “trusted traveler,” part of a rapid inspection program that allows expedited passage into the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. All applicants to the program must undergo an extensive background check and an in-person interview before being approved.
The man now faces federal prosecution.
CBP’s latest large-scale drug seizures also come as the Trump administration delivered 11 straight months of zero releases at the southern border. The agency has not confirmed yet whether it achieved a whole year with zero releases.
Apprehensions along the southwest border in March were lower by 90 percent from the monthly average over the past 33 years. Compared to the peak of December 2023 under President Joe Biden’s administration, apprehensions were down 97 percent.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott has attributed the agency’s success to “America First” policies under the Trump administration and a unified federal effort from top to bottom.
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