$20M In Drugs Seized At Border In First Two Weeks Of March

SAN DIEGO, CA — More than $20 million worth of drugs have been seized at the border in the first two weeks of March, authorities announced.

Agents at the San Diego Field Office have seized 131 pounds of cocaine, 11 pounds of heroin, 10,967 pounds of methamphetamine, and 213 pounds of fentanyl in 73 separate smuggling attempts from March 1-17, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The total estimated street value of the narcotics is $20.6 million, the agency said.

"Narcotics smuggling continues to be on the rise, and our officers are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our communities," said Sidney Aki, CBP director of field operations for San Diego. "Our officers are effectively trained to stay alert for any suspicious activities and to detect unusual travel patterns."

The suspected smugglers were arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation, according to CBP. The seizures were part of Operation Apollo, a joint regional operation comprised of federal, state and local agencies formed to combat drug trafficking.