SAN DIEGO: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the ports of entry along the California border with Mexico over the weekend intercepted 1,500 pounds of narcotics valued at more than $3.3 million and captured 17 fugitives. From Fri, Aug. 4, through Sun, Aug. 6, CBP officers intercepted more than 470 pounds of methamphetamine, 72 pounds of cocaine, over 1,000 pounds of marijuana and 11 pounds of heroin. CBP officers discovered the narcotics hidden inside vehicles in various places such as the vehicle’s floor, fenders, doors, tires and quarter panels.
During the same time period, the 17 fugitives were arrested for various charges that included attempted murder, aggravated assault, larceny and parole violations. A significant apprehension that occurred at the San Ysidro port of entry PedWest facility is listed below. On Aug. 4, at approximately 2:05 p.m., a 33-year-old male U.S. citizen later identified as Carlos Beltran was escorted on foot to the San Ysidro Port of Entry Pedestrian West Crossing by Mexican authorities. CBP Officers took custody of the man and conducted a query to get biometric information via the “Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System” (IAFIS). CBP officers confirmed that Beltran was wanted by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for attempted murder, which carried a bail of $1 million. CBP officers turned Beltran over to U.S. Marshals. Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
CBP officers seized all vehicles and narcotics. All narcotic related subjects were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further processing. CBP officers at the border crossings in Southern California routinely stop illegal activity, while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States. Those statistics can be found here on the CBP Enforcement Statistics webpage. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is now hiring. Please visit our Careers section for more information.
