United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN DIEGO – Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman announced federal drug charges today against Defendant Carlos Gerardo Symonds Saavedra following the seizure of more than 2,500 kilograms of methamphetamine and 50 kilograms of fentanyl found in a commercial trailer at the Otay Mesa, California Cargo Port of Entry (POE).

The complaint alleges that on August 5, 2021, at approximately 5:24 p.m., Symonds Saavedra, a Mexican citizen, attempted to enter the U.S. as the driver and sole occupant of a 2008 International commercial truck, which was hauling a Strick trailer. Defendant’s manifest reflected the load consisted of plastic parts. According to the complaint, the secondary inspection reflected anomalies, determined upon testing to be illicit drugs, comingled with the commercial shipment of plastic parts. Defendant was allowed to exit the POE facility under visual surveillance. The complaint states that when defendant arrived at a private commercial parking lot, he parked the trailer, placed the keys under the hood and walked away. He was apprehended approximately 100 yards from the trailer and placed under arrest.

Further inspection of the trailer resulted in the discovery of 400 packages of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, with an approximate weight of 2,507.58 kgs., and 52 kgs. of fentanyl. This is believed to be one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in the nation’s history.

“By working in unison with our law enforcement partners, DEA has prevented a significant quantity of deadly drugs from reaching Americans,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery. “This seizure is a blow to the cartels; but a victory in the fight against methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose deaths plaguing our county. DEA remains committed to stopping the cartels who will undoubtedly continue trying to bring their deadly drugs into our country.”

“This is a significant accomplishment by our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Due to stellar work by law enforcement agents, the government stopped more 5,500 pounds of deadly drugs from entering our country, furthering our fight against addiction and overdose deaths.”

“Over the last several years, we’ve seen many drug overdoses and drug-related deaths throughout this country,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant. “HSI and its law enforcement partners undoubtedly saved lives by preventing this massive drug shipment from entering our communities. While this drug seizure is significant, we know that these transnational criminal organizations will continue to illegally smuggle their illicit drugs across our border. HSI and its law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in our mission to prevent these drugs from crossing the border and entering our communities.”

AGENCIES:  United States Attorney's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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