U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seized more than 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a cargo trailer at the Otay Mesa commercial port of entry in Tijuana.
The discovery took place on April 14, when officers referred a 2017 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer for secondary inspection. The driver, identified as a 31-year-old Mexican citizen, claimed the cargo consisted of corrugated cardboard boxes.
However, a non-intrusive inspection revealed anomalies in the front wall of the trailer. A CBP K9 unit also alerted officers to the same area, prompting a physical search.
During the inspection, agents uncovered 300 packages containing a crystalline substance wrapped in clear plastic. The packages tested positive for methamphetamine.
“Our CBP officers at the ports of entry are unwavering guardians. Their diligence prevented illegal narcotics from entering our country, keeping our communities safe from dangerous drugs,” ,” said Rosa E. Hernández, Port Director of Otay Mesa.
In total, officers confiscated 3,078.10 pounds of the drug, with an estimated street value of $4,924,960.
