This is part one of a four part series on drugs and the border. 3 News Now Investigator Jeff Van Sant traveled to San Diego, California, in February, before the pandemic.
Josh Merrill and Tyler Zak are unlikely friends.
Zak, from Omaha, and Merill, from California, were brought together by their shared struggle: addiction to cocaine and heroin.
"It's a nightmare," Zak said. "You're fine one second and the next thing you know you lose everything."
Steve Bell of the Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division said interstates running through Omaha in both directions play a part in the significance of drug seizures in the area. He said they seized 250 pounds of meth last year, and 80 pounds in years prior.
On a boat with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, they told 3 News Now much of that passes through the border near San Diego. They're responsible for monitoring 931 miles of coastline.
"It is a cat and mouse game," Agent Kris Goland said.
For more, watch the video above.
Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage.
Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox