CBP officers at the Calexico Commercial Facility have intercepted over 646 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a shipment of green onions. The incident took place on October 10, 2024, when officers encountered a 63-year-old male driving a commercial tractor-trailer with a shipment listed as green onions. The driver, who held a valid border crossing card, was directed to undergo further inspection.

During the secondary inspection, a CBP K-9 unit indicated the need for closer examination of the trailer. Officers conducted a physical search and found 608 packages hidden within the shipment. Tests confirmed these packages contained methamphetamine weighing 646.61 pounds, with an estimated street value of $775,000.

Roque Caza, Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico, commented on the operation: “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.”

The seized narcotics and tractor-trailer were confiscated by CBP officers while the driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry.

This operation is part of Operation Apollo, which began in southern California on October 26, 2023, and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo focuses on intelligence gathering and partnerships across various levels to combat fentanyl smuggling into the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is tasked with safeguarding America through land, air, and sea operations while facilitating legal travel and trade.