As part of the new security strategies implemented during the 2024 fiscal year, more than 22 tons of fentanyl attempting to enter the United States through the southern border with Mexico have been seized, announced Troy A. Miller, the national commissioner of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, today.

One year after the formal launch of Operation Apollo, aimed at reducing and eliminating the entry of synthetic drugs into the country, nearly 10 tons of fentanyl, 54,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, 11,000 kilograms of cocaine, 38,000 kilograms of heroin, and over 10,000 weapons and vehicles have been confiscated in collaboration with CBP. Half of these seizures occurred at the California border.

The commissioner also explained that since the program began in October, attempts at irregular crossings at the San Diego border have been reduced by 65%, thanks to strict coordination with CBP and enhanced security measures at border checkpoints.

"Since the president announced in June that the borders would be protected, we have seen a 65% decrease in illegal crossings at the southern border of the United States," added Miller.

Furthermore, Miller emphasized that this effort will continue to strengthen as a cooperative initiative to dismantle organized crime. "The borders of the United States should be the last line of defense, not the first," he stated. He also assured that collaboration with foreign governments will continue to share strategies and improve border infrastructure and capabilities.

You might also be interested in this article in Spanish: Más del 50% de los decomisos de fentanilo ocurren en la frontera con California

Currently, CBP has more than 65,000 agents at the southern border of the United States. While it is unclear if additional resources will be allocated for hiring more personnel, the commissioner reaffirmed that the main mission is to protect American citizens, highlighting that the current team is highly professionalized and works to keep communities safe across the country.