Customs and Border Protection officers identified the uptick over the summer, reversing a trend of recent months with a relatively low number of drug apprehensions. According to a press release from DHS, August was the “third-highest monthly total of drug seizures” since President Donald Trump began his second term on January 20, 2025.
“As part of its mission to stop harmful drugs from entering the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that seizures of deadly drugs – including fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana – increased substantially from July to August,” read the release by DHS. “This includes a 37% increase in methamphetamine seizures and amounts to just over 55,000 pounds of drugs seized in August.”
This revelation by DHS came on the same day that CBP announced another successful drug bust operation at the Calexico East Port of Entry Commercial Facility on Sept. 17. Using X-ray and other advanced imaging technologies, CBP officers discovered “nearly 186 pounds of cocaine concealed within a car hauler trailer.”
“This seizure highlights the dedication and vigilance of CBP officers in protecting our nation’s borders and preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities,” said Calexico Port of Entry Director Roque Caza. “Our officers work tirelessly to disrupt criminal organizations and safeguard the public.”
BORDER PATROL TO REMAIN IN CHICAGO AND PORTLAND TO SUPPORT ICE IF GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN
DHS categorized the drug seizures as a win for the Trump administration. The federal agency claimed it was part of the process of the president’s vision to make the country safer with enhanced border security measures. They noted that fentanyl trafficking has significantly decreased since Trump’s second term began, citing a drop of 56% compared to the same time in 2024. These successful efforts kept “deadly drugs out of American communities.
“Secretary Noem and the Department of Homeland Security are fulfilling President Trump’s promise to make America safe again by dismantling drug cartels and stopping the flow of deadly drugs into American communities,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Thanks to President Trump, fewer American families will be torn apart by addiction, fewer lives will be lost to overdoses, and fewer profits will go to violent cartels.”
