The San Ysidro Port of Entry sees a steady stream of travelers crossing into the United States throughout the night. Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered an unexpected source of illicit substances amongst these travelers; a trusted traveler was caught carrying confiscated 357.45 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $536,175, concealed within their car. This shocking incident was reported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The illicit cargo was found within a vehicle driven by a 39-year-old man trying to enter the country via the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) lane, a program designed to expedite entry for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. CBP officers paid special attention to the man's vehicle, deciding foto initiate further inspection using non-intrusive technology and a canine unit.
CBP officers discovered the methamphetamine stashed in the spare tire, roof, passenger side quarter panel, and gas tank of the SUV, spread across 86 packages. The driver was subsequently arrested and the case passed to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The importation of narcotics to the United States was also reported.
Mariza Marin, Port Director for the San Ysidro Port of Entry, lauded the seizure as an exemplar of CBP officers' tireless efforts on the frontline, persistently working to thwart attempts by drug trafficking organizations to smuggle narcotics into the country.
