Border Patrol sees an increase in seizures of deadly drugs

Over 50 pounds of fentanyl seized by border patrol

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The drug driving deaths in the United States keeps being smuggling through our local borders. 

The Border Patrol Yuma Sector said the drug is smuggled in increasing amounts.

Fentanyl, an opioid used for treating severe pain, has been seized by Yuma Sector Border Patrol more than ever this year.

“In the fiscal year 2019, we seized over 50 pounds of fentanyl which is over a 600 percent increase from just over six pounds we seized in 2018,” said Jose Garibay, a Yuma Sector Border Patrol Agent.

The drug seizes happen at border patrol’s three checkpoints.

Although the drug is smuggled through Yuma, it doesn’t typically stay here.

“A majority of the time, the narcotics we seize are going to other parts of the country,” Garibay said.

According to Garibay, fentanyl is a huge problem in the United States right now.

“It only takes a very small amount in order to cause an overdose,” Garibay said. “Many people don’t have the necessary knowledge to be able to handle it.”

Fentanyl has a heroic-like effect, according to the CDC.

In the event of an overdose, antidote Naloxone is available to be administered.