According to the 2024 Alabama Drug Threat Assessment, Alabamians face threats from fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The assessment involved 138 law enforcement respondents from across Alabama who answered a series of drug-related questions. Fentanyl and other opioids received 77 votes, making them the top drug threat in the state, while meth accounted for 56 votes.
Southern Border Bust
On Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, a 67-year-old man was caught by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with over $2 million worth of different drugs. The man was driving a 2021 sedan through the dedicated commuter lane, and he requested entry into the U.S. through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, as reported by CBP.
The San Ysidro Port of Entry holds the title for being the busiest in the U.S., processing over 70,000 vehicles daily, as reported by the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA).
According to CBP, they shared more details about the seizure at the port by stating:
During the initial inspection, the CBP officer discovered packages in black plastic bags in the spare tire wheel well and radioed for assistance. A K-9 enforcement officer responded to the scene with a CBP human and narcotics detector dog and alerted officers about the presence of narcotics. CBP officers extracted a total of 36 packages with an aggregated weight of 120 pounds. The packages were tested and identified as fentanyl powder, fentanyl pink and blue pills, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.
After seizing the car, Homeland Security Investigators took custody of the driver for further questioning. According to CBP, the driver was enrolled in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program, which is a trusted traveler program. SENTRI allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S.
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