K-9 triggers massive fentanyl bust in Detroit

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A drug-sniffing dog in Detroit found nearly 6 pounds of fentanyl while searching inbound international mail last month.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office said the seizure happened June 2 at the Fort Street Cargo Facility . The K-9 alerted to a package that held several plastic bags full of pills that were later tested and confirmed to be fentanyl.

Marty C. Raybon, the CBP Director of Field Operations, said this single shipment of fentanyl could have killed an untold number of people.

“I can tell you that the dangers of fentanyl cannot be overstated,” Raybon said in a statement . “According to the CDC, in 2023, there were over 100,000 drug overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl being the main contributors. Given that just 2 milligrams can be a lethal dose, this amount had the potential to kill over 1.3 million people.”

It was the largest bust of its kind at the Port of Detroit and the largest inbound fentanyl seizure on the northern border in the last five years.

Port Director Devin Chamberlain said narcotics are always at the top of mind for his agents.

“One of CBP’s primary objectives is the prevention of dangerous narcotics such as fentanyl from entering the United States. I’m proud of Detroit’s Express Consignment Team for their diligent inspection that led to the successful interception of this deadly drug,” Chamberlain stated.

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