Methamphetamine - Credit: DEA
February 28, 2023 - SAN DIEGO – A Tijuana man appeared in federal court late yesterday to face federal drug trafficking offenses following the seizure of more than 2,200 pounds of methamphetamine and 53 pounds of fentanyl discovered in the Chevy van he was driving as he attempted to cross into the United States through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry Cargo Facility.
It is believed to be one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in San Diego County.
The complaint alleges that on February 22, 2023, at approximately 3:47 p.m., the 2005 Chevy Van applied for entry into the United States through the Otay Mesa Commercial Port of Entry. A Customs and Border Protection Officer referred the vehicle to a secondary inspection area based on a computer-generated referral. Officers found 63 packages in the rear cargo area of the van concealed within cardboard boxes. The packages contained substances that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Law enforcement then arrested the driver, Andres Gonzales Soriano.
“This is huge quantity of dangerous drugs that is no longer destined for the streets of San Diego and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “A seizure of this magnitude saves lives.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team as well as Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations for their excellent work on this case.
“These drugs are a blight that destroy lives and fuel crime and violence in our communities,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge, HSI San Diego. “This massive seizure likely saved lives and delivers a significant financial blow to the drug cartels.
“CBP officers are the front-line of stopping these dangerous drugs from entering the U.S.” said Sidney K. Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “Keeping our communities safe is among our top priorities, and this major interdiction will prevent its negative impacts and the proceeds from funding transnational criminal organizations.”
DEFENDANTS Criminal Case No: 23-mj-0611-BLM
Andres Gonzalez Soriano 24 Tijuana
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Importation of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952 and 960
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $1 million fine
AGENCY
United States Customs and Border Protection
Homeland Security Investigations
Drug Enforcement Administration
Border Crime Suppression Team
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: DOJ Release
