Over 1 Million Fentanyl Pills Seized at Arizona Border Crossing

Customs and Border Protection reports massive drug busts at Nogales port of entry

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal officials have reported seizing over 1 million fentanyl pills at the Nogales, Arizona port of entry in recent weeks, including a single-day seizure of 1 million pills on January 17. The seizures have targeted drug trafficking by the Sinaloa cartel and highlight the ongoing battle against the deadly synthetic opioid crisis.

Why it matters

The massive seizures of fentanyl pills at the Arizona border crossing underscore the severity of the opioid epidemic and the efforts by law enforcement to stem the flow of these deadly drugs into U.S. communities. Fentanyl is a major driver of the overdose crisis, and these busts have prevented a significant amount of the potent synthetic opioid from reaching the streets.

The details

In January, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Nogales port of entry seized over 1 million fentanyl pills on multiple occasions. This included a single-day seizure on January 17 of 522,000 blue pills, 406,000 pills, and 106,600 more. Other busts in January netted 111,200 fentanyl pills and 95 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as 124,000 fentanyl pills and 17 pounds of fentanyl powder. The drugs were discovered hidden in vehicles attempting to cross the border from Mexico.

  • On January 17, CBP officers seized over 1 million fentanyl pills at the Nogales port of entry.
  • On January 26, officers seized 111,200 fentanyl pills and 95 pounds of methamphetamine.
  • On January 26, officers also seized 124,000 fentanyl pills and 17 pounds of fentanyl powder.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal agency responsible for border security and enforcing customs regulations.

Sinaloa Cartel

A major Mexican drug trafficking organization that has been targeted by U.S. authorities in the region.

Diane J. Sabatino

Acting executive assistant commissioner of CBP's Office of Field Operations.

J. Acuña

Senior CBP official performing duties of area port director in Nogales.

Roki

A CBP K-9 officer who assisted in one of the drug busts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Technology and a CBP canine helped stop these deadly drugs from reaching U.S. communities.”

— Diane J. Sabatino, Acting executive assistant commissioner of CBP's Office of Field Operations (Twitter)

What’s next

CBP officials have vowed to continue their efforts to interdict fentanyl and other illicit drugs at the border, working closely with law enforcement partners to disrupt the drug trafficking operations of the Sinaloa cartel and other criminal organizations.

The takeaway

The massive seizures of fentanyl pills at the Arizona border crossing underscore the severity of the opioid crisis and the critical role that border security plays in preventing these deadly drugs from reaching communities across the United States. The busts have prevented a significant amount of fentanyl from being distributed, but the battle against the flow of synthetic opioids remains an ongoing challenge for law enforcement.