Teens arrested, accused in fentanyl smuggling attempts at US-Mexico border crossing

10News.com ^ | Apr 3, 2018 | Jermaine Ong

[11th_VA]

Drugs were taped to the teens' bodies

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Three teens were taken into custody in three separate attempts to smuggle the drug fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border, according to federal officials.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the incidents occurred on March 30 and 31 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

CBP officials stated:l -- On Friday, Mar. 30, at about 7:20 p.m., CBP officers at the San Ysidro Pedestrian East border crossing encountered a 17-year-old male Mexican citizen. A CBP officer conducting inspections at the primary booth noticed some inconsistencies and conducted a visual search of the teen, revealing an anomaly on his back. A CBP officer conducted an immediate pat down for weapons and discovered two packages strapped to his back. CBP officers later identified the two packages as fentanyl weighing over 4 pounds. The fentanyl carries an estimated street value of $141,000.

-- On Saturday, Mar. 31, at about 8:20 p.m., CBP officers at the San Ysidro Pedestrian West border crossing encountered a 15-year-old male Mexican citizen. A CBP officer noticed some discrepancies during the inspection and referred the teen for further examination. During the escort, the CBP officer noticed a bulge on the teen’s back and subsequently discovered two packages strapped to him. CBP officers later identified the two packages as fentanyl weighing just under 5 pounds. The fentanyl carries an estimated street value of $143,000.

-- Ten minutes later, at about 8:30 p.m., CBP officers at the San Ysidro Pedestrian West border crossing encountered a 17-year-old male U.S. citizen. A CBP officer noticed a bulge on the teen’s back and discovered two packages strapped to him. CBP officers later identified the two packages as fentanyl weighing just under 5 pounds. The fentanyl carries an estimated street value of $143,000.

[TChris]

Like many drugs, it has its legitimate uses. But it's been pretty badly abused lately.

I think it's used in late-stage cancer treatment, when Morphine just won't do it anymore.