U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility seized more than 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a cargo trailer on April 14, according to an April 23 announcement. The drugs have an estimated street value of nearly $5 million.
The seizure took place after CBP officers referred a Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer for secondary inspection. The shipment was declared as corrugated cardboard boxes. Officers used nonintrusive inspection technology and a canine unit, both of which detected anomalies in the trailer's front wall.
A physical search revealed 300 packages containing a crystal-like substance wrapped in clear plastic. Tests confirmed the substance was methamphetamine, with a total weight of approximately 3,078 pounds.
Otay Mesa Port Director Rosa E. Hernandez said: "Our CBP officers at ports of entry are unwavering guardians. Their diligence prevented illegal narcotics from entering our country, so our communities are kept safe from dangerous drugs."
CBP reported that its officers across the Southwest border continue to be empowered by federal leadership to stop illegal activity while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States each year.
The agency described itself as America's largest law enforcement organization and highlighted its mission to enforce lawful travel and trade while protecting national security.
