Drug seizures surged along the southern border in May as illegal migration dropped

Federal authorities stationed along the southern border seized roughly 40% more drugs in May compared to April as illegal migrant encounters decreased, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data.

CBP seized roughly 18,300 pounds of drugs in May at the U.S.-Mexico border compared to roughly 13,100 pounds of drugs in April, according to agency data. Meanwhile, illegal migrant encounters at the southern border dropped from roughly 183,000 in April to roughly 169,000 in May, according to federal data.

Overall, drug seizures along the southern border are down from roughly 193,000 pounds between October 2021 and May 2022 to roughly 164,000 pounds during that period in fiscal year 2023, according to CBP data. In April alone, CBP seized roughly 26,800 pounds of drugs at the southern border.

“As a result of comprehensive planning and preparation efforts, there has been a significant reduction in encounters along the Southwest border since the return to full Title 8 immigration enforcement on May 12. As we continue to execute our plans –including delivering strengthened consequences for those who cross unlawfully while expanding access to lawful pathways and processes– we will continue to monitor changes in encounter trends and adjust our response as necessary,” Senior Official Performing the Duties of CBP Commissioner Troy A. Miller said in a statement Tuesday of the decrease in illegal migrant encounters at the southern border.

“At the same time, CBP remained laser-focused on our national and economic security missions this month: managing increased passenger throughput at the start of a busy summer travel season and increasing seizures of dangerous drugs by 10% over April,” Miller said.

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