San Diego, CA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry seized nearly 300 pounds of heroin hidden inside a pickup truck — the largest heroin bust ever recorded at the busy U.S.-Mexico border crossing. The seizure, valued at over $13 million, marks a major blow to cross-border narcotics smuggling efforts.
The Incident: Drug Dog Alerts Officers to Hidden Cargo
According to CBP officials, the bust occurred on October 22, 2025, when a drug detection dog alerted officers to a suspicious pickup truck attempting to enter the U.S. through San Ysidro, located in southern San Diego County.
The driver, a Mexican citizen with U.S. permanent residency, told officers he was traveling to Santa Ana, California. However, further inspection revealed multiple hidden compartments inside the vehicle.
“Anomalies were detected in several sections of the truck, including the spare tire well, rear seat, front right fender flare, and firewall,” CBP said in a statement.
Officers dismantled parts of the vehicle and discovered 72 tightly wrapped packages hidden throughout, including inside the air filter, glove box, fender, rear seats, and spare tire.
Investigation and Evidence: Nearly 300 Pounds of Heroin Found
A narcotics test kit confirmed the packages contained heroin, totaling almost 300 pounds — the largest quantity of heroin ever intercepted at the San Ysidro crossing, one of the busiest land border entry points in the world.
CBP officials estimated the drugs carried a street value of approximately $13 million, describing the bust as a “record-breaking seizure” in the fight against cross-border drug trafficking.
“This seizure underscores the dedication and vigilance of our officers in preventing dangerous narcotics from entering the United States,” CBP San Diego Director of Field Operations Jennifer De La O said in a statement. “Our K9 teams continue to play an instrumental role in intercepting high-risk cargo.”
The discovery adds to a growing number of narcotics interceptions at ports of entry across the southwest border, where drug cartels frequently use modified vehicles to conceal contraband shipments.
Court Proceedings and Federal Charges
CBP officials confirmed that the driver was detained and questioned following the discovery. The case has since been turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and federal prosecutors for review.
The suspect now faces federal drug trafficking charges, which could carry severe penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is expected to release further details as the investigation continues.
Broader Context: Drug Trafficking Trends at the Border
Experts say that while fentanyl remains the most frequently seized narcotic at the U.S.-Mexico border, heroin trafficking continues to present a major challenge. The record-breaking seizure highlights how traffickers are increasingly using creative concealment methods to move large quantities of drugs.
According to CBP data, the San Ysidro Port of Entry processes tens of thousands of vehicles and travelers daily, making it one of the most heavily monitored border crossings in North America. Officers rely on advanced screening technology, canine units, and intelligence-sharing to detect concealed drugs.
“Every load we stop prevents potentially lethal substances from devastating communities across the country,” one CBP spokesperson said.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Federal investigators are now working to identify the source and intended recipients of the heroin shipment. Authorities suspect the narcotics may have originated from a Mexican cartel network and were bound for distribution hubs in Southern California.
The pickup truck and all seized evidence remain in federal custody as forensic teams analyze packaging materials and transport methods.
CBP emphasized that continued collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies remains critical in combating large-scale drug smuggling operations along the border.
Conclusion
The $13 million heroin seizure at the San Ysidro Port of Entry stands as one of the most significant drug busts in recent years. It reflects both the ongoing threat posed by international trafficking networks and the crucial role of border enforcement in protecting U.S. communities from the flow of illicit narcotics.
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