U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to make large-scale drug seizures along the U.S.–Mexico border that far surpass those of years prior. CBP shared news of one of its latest encounters, in which an amount of cocaine worth $604,000 was seized, exclusively with The Epoch Times.

A K-9 alerted to a vehicle attempting to enter the United States at the Hidalgo International Bridge entry in Texas on May 1, and upon searching the car, agents discovered about 45 pounds of suspected cocaine, CBP said.

The driver was identified as a 47-year-old Mexican citizen.

Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested the individual and began a criminal investigation, according to CBP.

The agency seized the narcotics, which were in 18 packages hidden inside the driver’s Chrysler Pacifica. The agency also seized the car.

“This seizure reflects our officers’ steadfast commitment to the border security mission and reflects the effective use of technology and inspection skill,” Hidalgo Port of Entry Director Carlos Rodriguez said. “Enforcement actions like these prevent narcotics from infiltrating our communities and inflicting addiction, pain, and death.”

About two weeks later, CBP officers seized about 1,645 pounds of methamphetamine at a Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in Texas. The illegal narcotics, concealed in 307 packages hidden within a tractor-trailer hauling lettuce from Mexico, were worth $14.7 million, the agency said in a news release.

CBP seized the narcotics and truck, and Homeland Security Investigations launched an investigation.

This increasing amount of illegal drug seizures comes as the Trump administration hit two historic milestones this month.

CBP exclusively told The Epoch Times on May 15 that its Office of Field Operations had eclipsed 100 million lethal doses of fentanyl seized this fiscal year. CBP credited the achievement to tougher border enforcement.

“As the nation’s border security agency, CBP is on the front line against foreign terrorist organizations that threaten the safety and well-being of Americans,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said.

“CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs like fentanyl before they enter our communities.”

CBP said that in addition to protecting Americans, these operations disrupt supply-chain networks for cartels.

In addition to the historic amount of fentanyl prevented from entering the country this fiscal year, CBP said its officers have seized more than 152,000 pounds of methamphetamine, which is more than was seized in all of fiscal year 2025.

There is a similar trend with cocaine, the agency said; more than 28,000 pounds have been seized, surpassing the previous fiscal year to date by about 6,000 pounds.

CBP has seized about 61 percent more illegal narcotics than in the same period in fiscal year 2024.

“People in the United States are dying from overdoses,” said Diane J. Sabatino, CBP Office of Field Operations executive assistant commissioner. “Every fentanyl seizure, large or small, represents potential lives saved.”

The Trump administration also claimed this month that a year had passed with zero releases at the southern border. Instead of temporarily releasing immigrants while they await court hearings, the administration has put a focus on detaining them.

“The days of catch and release are over,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on May 15.

At the U.S.–Mexico border, there have been fewer than 9,000 apprehensions for 15 months. Daily apprehensions are down 95 percent from the previous administration.