At the Calexico West port of entry, a seemingly ordinary pick-up truck revealed a far more sinister purpose. Authorities uncovered a mixed stash of methamphetamine and heroin, valued at over $410,000, in the 2020 pick-up truck during a late-night inspection at the border crossing on September 10, according to a press release from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The 35-year-old male driver, a U.S. citizen, which attempted to enter the United States from Mexico, was subsequently referred for further examination at the secondary inspection area by a CBP officer. Anomalies were observed during a non-intrusive (x-ray) examination, leading to the deployment of a CBP canine enforcement team, the release detailed.
After alerting to the presence of narcotics, officers acted quickly to extract a total of 223 packages concealed within the rear passenger door, spare tire, and gas tank area of the vehicle. The packages were field-tested, revealing 126.06 pounds of methamphetamine and 7.84 pounds of heroin valued at around $410,553.
"Our CBP officers continue to combat and degrade transnational criminal organizations through their successful enforcement efforts," stated Roque Caza, CBP Area Port Director for Calexico, applauding the vigilant work of his team. "I commend our officers for their outstanding work and their meritorious contribution in keeping these harmful drugs away from our communities."
The driver's attempt to smuggle the drugs were swiftly foiled, and the individual was detained and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.
