Andres Gonzalez Soriano, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Importation, California 2023

Authorities in California have made a huge methamphetamine seizure at the border, arresting Andres Gonzalez Soriano, a 24-year-old Tijuana man, for the importation of over 2,200 pounds of methamphetamine and 53 pounds of fentanyl.

The seizure, one of the largest in San Diego County, was made at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry Cargo Facility on February 22, 2023, at approximately 3:47 p.m. when Andres Gonzalez Soriano attempted to cross into the United States in a 2005 Chevy Van.

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 Andres Gonzalez Soriano, who was driving the van. He is currently facing federal drug trafficking offenses for the importation of methamphetamine and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952 and 960. The maximum penalty for this crime is 20 years in prison and $1 million fine.

U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman praised the efforts of the prosecution team, Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations for their excellent work on the case. The authorities believe that this seizure has saved lives and delivered a significant financial blow to the drug cartels.

The seizure was a result of a collaborative effort between Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Border Crime Suppression Team also played a crucial role in the interdiction.

Andres Gonzalez Soriano is scheduled to appear in federal court. He has not yet entered a plea. The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case highlights the importance of the work done by Customs and Border Protection officers in stopping dangerous drugs from entering the U.S. and keeping our communities safe.