Authorities intercepted about 174 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a rail car at the Calexico port of entry during a routine rail yard inspection, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today.
CBP officers found 30 packages of methamphetamine concealed in the cross beams of a rail car coming from Mexico on July 4, the agency wrote in a news release. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is approximately $314,043.
Authorities utilized a rail x-ray imaging system and found anomalies on one rail car. A detector dog screened the rail car and verified the presence of narcotics.
“CBP officers work diligently to stop all smuggling attempts of dangerous drugs as well as other prohibited items,” said Anne Maricich, CBP Deputy Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “Transnational criminal organizations will attempt to use any method they think might work. While finding narcotics in a rail car is highly unusual, it’s one of the reasons that CBP officers inspect every conveyance that enters the U.S.”
This announcement comes days after four Tijuana residents were jailed for transporting more than 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine from the Otay Mesa Commercial Port of Entry to National City. This “record-breaking” narcotics seizure held about 148 bundles containing the methamphetamine, though was not released.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe said “this monumental seizure represents another win against drug cartels that fuel addiction in the United States”.
