CBP Seizes $5 Million in Methamphetamine Hidden in Watermelons in Otay Mesa – VVNG.com

OTAY MESA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility seized a significant amount of methamphetamine disguised in a shipment of watermelons on Friday. The estimated street value of the narcotics is more than $5 million.

The incident occurred when a 29-year-old man, driving a commercial tractor-trailer, attempted to enter the United States from Mexico. The shipment contained watermelons, it was documented. CBP officers sent the driver and vehicle for secondary inspection for a more detailed examination.

In the secondary inspection area, officers unloaded the watermelon shipment for intensive examination. They discovered a total of 1,220 packages disguised as watermelons, all containing methamphetamine. The total weight of the narcotics was 4,587 pounds.

As a result, CBP agents seized both the narcotics and the tractor-trailer. The driver was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

Our team has demonstrated exceptional skill in uncovering sophisticated and diverse smuggling methods, said Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director of the Port of Otay Mesa. “As drug cartels continue to evolve their techniques, we are determined to find better ways to prevent these dangerous substances from entering the country.”

This operation falls under the umbrella of Operation Apollo, a comprehensive fentanyl initiative launched in Southern California on October 26, 2023, and later expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo leverages intelligence gathering and partnerships, bringing together federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial resources to enhance collaboration and address the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States.

The successful seizure at Otay Mesa underscores CBP’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect the nation’s borders.

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