State and Federal Police Stop Illegal Drugs and Weapons

州政府與聯邦警方攔截非法毒品與武器

Jul 10, 2026, 18:24
USSociety

Introduction

Recent operations by California state authorities and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have led to the seizure of large amounts of illegal drugs and weapons.

加州當局與美國海關及邊境保衛局 (CBP) 最近的行動，已攔截大量非法毒品與武器。

Main Body

The California Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force carried out a multi-county operation from April to June. As a result, they destroyed 89,000 plants and seized 63,000 pounds of cannabis, worth about $104 million. Most of these seizures happened in Kern and Alameda counties. Furthermore, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found illegal pesticides at 13 sites. Director Meghan Hertel emphasized that these chemicals create risks for the environment and consumer safety. Governor Gavin Newsom asserted that these operations are necessary to break up organized crime networks and remove illegal guns from the streets.

加州統一大麻執法專案小組於四月至六月期間在多個縣執行行動。結果，他們摧毀了 89,000 株大麻，並沒收 63,000 磅大麻，價值約 1.04 億美元。大部分沒收行動發生在 Kern 與 Alameda 縣。此外，加州魚類及野生動物部門在 13 個地點發現了非法農藥。局長 Meghan Hertel 強調，這些化學物質會對環境與消費者安全造成風險。州長 Gavin Newsom 斷言，這些行動對於瓦解有組織的犯罪網絡並清除街頭非法槍枝至關重要。

At the same time, federal agents at the Pharr Port of Entry in Texas seized 1,173 pounds of cocaine, valued at $10.7 million, which was hidden inside a commercial cabbage shipment. This happened even though CBP has more resources than ever, including a record 21,471 officers and $90 billion in government funding. Although border encounters dropped by 90% between December 2024 and May, CBP continues to find dangerous contraband. For example, in April, they stopped a vehicle carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and several AK-style rifles. Port Director Carlos Rodriguez maintained that because smuggling continues, the agency must remain alert.

與此同時，德州 Pharr 入境口岸的聯邦探員攔截了 1,173 磅可卡因，價值 1,070 萬美元，該批毒品被隱藏在商業捲心菜貨運中。儘管 CBP 擁有比以往更豐富的資源，包括創紀錄的 21,471 名官員及 900 億美元政府資金，此類事件仍發生。雖然 2024 年 12 月至五月間，邊境接觸人數下降了 90%，但 CBP 仍持續發現危險禁品。例如在四月，他們攔截了一輛載有火箭推進榴彈發射器及數把 AK 風格步槍的車輛。口岸主任 Carlos Rodriguez 主張，由於走私活動仍在持續，該機構必須保持警覺。

Conclusion

Law enforcement agencies are continuing to carry out large-scale seizures of illegal goods to reduce the power of organized crime and improve border security.

執法機構將繼續執行大規模非法貨品沒收行動，以削弱有組織犯罪的力量並提升邊境安全。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 Breaking the 'Basic' Barrier: The Power of Reporting Verbs

At the A2 level, students usually use the word "said" for everything. To reach B2, you must stop using "said" and start using Precise Reporting Verbs. This changes your English from 'simple storytelling' to 'professional reporting.'

🔍 The Shift from A2 →\rightarrow B2

Look at how the article describes the actions of officials. They don't just "say" things; they use language that shows intent and authority.

A2 Style (Basic)B2 Style (Advanced)The Nuance (Why it's better)
Hertel said the chemicals are risky.Hertel emphasized that...Shows the point is very important.
Newsom said operations are necessary.Newsom asserted that...Shows strong confidence and authority.
Rodriguez said they must be alert.Rodriguez maintained that...Shows a consistent, firm belief.

💡 Pro-Tip: Using "That" as a Bridge

Notice the pattern: [Person] →\rightarrow [Strong Verb] →\rightarrow [that] →\rightarrow [Fact].

Instead of saying: "The boss said the project is late," Try: "The boss asserted that the project is late."

🛠️ Quick Vocabulary Boost

To sound more like a B2 speaker, replace these common A2 words with the 'Professional' versions found in the text:

  • Stop/Take →\rightarrow Seize (Specifically for illegal items/power)
  • Happened →\rightarrow Carried out (For organized actions/plans)
  • Bad things →\rightarrow Contraband (Illegal goods smuggled in)
  • Also →\rightarrow Furthermore (To add a serious point in a formal way)

Vocabulary Learning

seizure (n.)
The act of taking something by legal authority, especially illegal goods.
Example:The customs officers reported the seizure of several kilograms of illegal substances.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reviewing the vocabulary before the exam.
asserted (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserted that his client was innocent of all charges.
contraband (n.)
Goods that have been imported or exported illegally.
Example:The police found a large amount of contraband hidden in the secret compartment of the car.
maintained (v.)
To continue to state that something is true, even when others disagree.
Example:Despite the evidence, the witness maintained that he had seen the suspect at the scene.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→