Crime
Arizona Border Patrol agents seize 'enough fentanyl to kill 42 million' people
Agents to find 340 packages of fentanyl pills, weighing 187 pounds and worth an estimated $4.3 million
August 29, 2022 8:45pm
Updated: August 30, 2022 1:40pm
Arizona Customs and Border Protection agents (CBP) seized around 340 packages of fentanyl pills at the border on Wednesday, enough fentanyl pills to potentially kill 42,410,900 people, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Tucson CBP agents found the drug while conducting a vehicle stop on a white Chevy Equinox, according to a CBP press release. The agents saw several duffel bags inside the vehicle’s cargo area and noticed that the female driver was “noticeably nervous as she was questioned.”
With her consent, agents searched the vehicle. They found three bags containing packages wrapped in black tape and cellophane that were coated in axle grease.
A further examination of the content led the agents to find 340 packages of fentanyl pills, weighing 187 pounds and worth an estimated $4.3 million.
Observant Ajo Station agents discovered $4.3 million in fentanyl pills during a vehicle stop near Gila Bend, AZ. Two U.S. citizen smugglers were turned over to @mcsoaz. #GoodWork
— John R. Modlin (@USBPChiefTCA) August 26, 2022
For more information: https://t.co/7MFCK0XTvj pic.twitter.com/reGCBgaowP
The case was turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The driver and her female passenger are facing drug charges.
“I am grateful for the incredible work by Border Patrol agents to keep drugs off our streets,” said Sheriff Paul Penzone. “Their efforts will save lives and promote safety.”
In July alone, CBP agents have seized more than enough fentanyl at the southern border to kill every American. Fentanyl has become the most popular narcotic of choice for traffickers entering the U.S. from Mexico.
According to government statistics, more than 71,000 Americans have died from fentanyl overdoses last year.
Last week, CBP agents discovered more than 1.5 million fentanyl pills concealed inside a tractor-trailer trying to cross the border. The drugs were found hidden inside different compartments or makeshift trap doors inside the trailer and vehicle.
