Ryan J. Scudder Executive Assistant Commissioner | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP officers at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility recently intercepted over $3.2 million worth of methamphetamine concealed within a tractor-trailer's floor frame. The incident took place on October 3, 2024, when officers stopped a 40-year-old male driving an empty commercial vehicle from Mexico into the United States.
After a preliminary inspection, the driver and vehicle were sent for further examination. Officers used non-intrusive technology to scan the truck and detected irregularities in its floor frame. A CBP K-9 unit then confirmed the presence of narcotics.
Upon physical inspection, officers uncovered 265 packages hidden in the truck's floor frame. The packages contained methamphetamine weighing approximately 2,686 pounds, with an estimated street value of $3,220,000.
Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director for the Area Port of Otay Mesa, stated: “I am extremely proud of our dedicated workforce. Our officers are always vigilant and work hard to ensure our border security is not compromised and to protect our communities from dangerous drugs.”
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP officers, and the driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry.
This seizure is part of Operation Apollo, which began on October 26, 2023, in southern California and expanded to Arizona in April 2024. The operation aims to counter fentanyl smuggling through intelligence collection and partnerships involving federal and local agencies.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remains committed as America's largest law enforcement organization focused on securing borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
