In a notable interception at the Calexico Commercial Facility, over 646 pounds of methamphetamine were discovered concealed amid a shipment of green onions. A report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection detailed the seizure last Thursday after a CBP K-9 unit alerted officers, prompting a meticulous examination of the cargo.
The CBP officers encountered a 63-year-old male driving the tractor-trailer, identified as a valid border crossing cardholder. During further inspections, officers found 608 packages wrapped within the produce. Individually, the packages contained methamphetamine, amounting to a substantial weight of 646.61 pounds. With an estimated street value of $775,000, this bust signifies a major victory in the ongoing fight against illicit drug trafficking.
According to the CBP press release, the Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico, Roque Caza, commended the efforts of the officers involved, stating, “This is truly an outstanding demonstration of our officer's ability to think outside of the box and further exemplifies our adaptability to find illicit contraband no matter where narcotics are hidden,” an accolade that reinforces the department's commitment to thwart smuggling attempts.
The driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry following the seizure of both the narcotics and the commercial vehicle.
