Shaheen Applauds Largest Seizure of Fentanyl at Port of Entry

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded a record-level seizure of fentanyl by U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CPB) yesterday at the Arizona border. More than 250 pounds of fentanyl was hidden in a tractor-trailer and found by CPB after a scan during a secondary inspection. Shaheen underscored that CPB’s seizure demonstrates how critical technological investments are to properly screen vehicles at ports of entry, secure our border and stop the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. 

“New Hampshire remains on the front lines of the opioid epidemic, so our communities are especially relieved that federal law enforcement apprehended these smugglers, who had enough fentanyl to kill millions of Americans,” said Shaheen. “This record-breaking seizure of fentanyl underscores why comprehensive border security measures, including technological investments for screening and surveilling, are necessary at ports of entry. I hope Congressional Republicans and President Trump keep this in mind as negotiations continue, and as we work together to secure our border and keep Americans safe.” 

Last week, Senator Shaheen spoke on the Senate floor about the need to prioritize comprehensive border security efforts that include technological investments to better surveil and screen at ports of entry. Shaheen is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security and has consistently supported legislation to provide funding for CPB, which includes funds to stop the flow of opioids into the United States.