U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized over 2.2 tons of narcotics in concealed packages at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry over the span of two days with an estimated street value of $24.2 million.
The first seizure occurred on Oct. 20 at approximately 1:30 p.m. when a 28-year-old male driving a tractor-trailer attempted to cross the border with a shipment manifested for green onions. CBP officers searched the shipment and removed 183 packages containing methamphetamine that was hidden within the shipment.
Officers seized approximately 1,528.99 pounds of methamphetamine worth an estimated street value of $3.3 million during that incident, according to a news release.
On Oct. 22, a 29-year-old man driving a tractor-trailer attempted to cross the Otay Mesa Port of Entry at about 10:53 a.m. with a shipment manifested as electronics. CBP officers referred the trailer for further inspection.
Officers discovered anomalies in the trailer during a non-intrusive inspection, which prompted the canine team to screen the truck. The team discovered 75 packages of cocaine concealed within a non-factory-built false wall.
The packages contained approximately 1,992.54 pounds of methamphetamine and 1,037.27 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $20.8 million.
Both drivers were arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt, and their vehicles were also seized.
“CBP officers are the front line of stopping these dangerous drugs from entering the U.S.,” said Jennifer De La O, CBP Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office.” The lengths drug trafficking organizations are willing to go to conceal and smuggle narcotics is a testament to how effective our officers are.”
