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San Diego, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers conducting border security operations at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border stations seized more about 2,899 pounds of narcotics valued at $3 million, and captured 20 fugitives within the last five days, officials announced today.

CBP officers intercepted 2,794 pounds of marijuana, 70 pounds of methamphetamine, and almost 35 pounds of cocaine in 35 separate incidents. Officers seized the 35 vehicles used in the smuggling attempts from Sunday through Thursday.

CBP officers conducting intensive secondary inspections at the two ports found the marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine hidden in various locations in the vehicles such as the gas tank, in the seats, in the quarter panels, dashboard, bumpers and tires with some smugglers using multiple hiding places.

Officers also apprehended 20 fugitives at the San Ysidro and nearby Otay Mesa ports with outstanding felony warrants. The fugitives were wanted for crimes such as attempted murder, burglary, larceny, dangerous drugs and parole/probation violations.

“Although the primary focus of CBP is anti-terrorism, we continue to apprehend wanted fugitives and to seize large quantities of dangerous narcotics,” said Oscar Preciado, port director of the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border crossings. “These are unending threats that our officers face on a daily basis and underscores our need to carefully screen people and goods entering the United States.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.