More than $5 million worth of meth found in fake watermelons at US-Mexico border

Officers seized more than two tons of methamphetamine.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents recently seized a truck carrying more than $5 million worth of methamphetamine at the U.S.-Mexico border, concealed in a shipment of fake watermelons. According to a press release, the powerful stimulant commonly known as crystal meth was discovered Friday wrapped in packages that looked like bright green watermelons. The truck was impounded at the Port of Otay Mesa in San Diego. More than two tons of methamphetamine — a total of 1,220 packages — were seized by agents.

“The watermelon is known as a refreshing fruit, but… CBP officers seized more than $5 million worth of meth disguised and concealed in a shipment of watermelons. Officers discovered 1,220 packages, weighing more than 4,000 pounds, disguised as watermelons,” CBP wrote on X while sharing photos of the fake watermelons.

See below:

The watermelon is known as a refreshing fruit, but… CBP agents seized more than $5 million worth of meth disguised and hidden in a shipment of watermelons. Agents discovered 1,220 packages, weighing more than 4,000 pounds, disguised as watermelons. ➡️https://t.co/rFVZcc5xPBphoto.twitter.com/VSXFbp3Cg2

—CBP (@CBP) August 23, 2024

According to the press release, U.S. CBP said agents stopped a semi-trailer truck near the Mexican border in Otay Mesa. The paperwork suggested the 29-year-old driver was transporting a load of watermelons, but an inspection revealed the packages contained methamphetamine.

“CBP agents seized the narcotics and the truck, while the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation,” the agents said.

Separately, Port Director Rosa Hernandez described the method of concealment as “advanced.” “As drug cartels continue to evolve their smuggling techniques, we will continue to find new and better ways to prevent these dangerous drugs and other contraband from entering the country,” Ms. Hernandez added.

Also read | Senior Tesla executive Sreela Venkataratnam steps down, says working for Musk’s company ‘is not for the faint of heart’

Meanwhile, according to The guardThe seizure came a week after officials at the same border crossing discovered nearly 660 pounds of meth in a shipment of celery. Earlier this year, 6 tons of meth were also discovered in a shipment of squash in California. This followed last year when meth and cocaine were found in containers of jalapeno pasta transported across the border. Drug traffickers have also hidden drugs in shipments of green beans, sugar, flour and candy.

The Border Patrol said the seizures are the result of Operation Apollo, an anti-fentanyl operation that began in Southern California last October and expanded to Arizona in April. The focus is on intelligence gathering and cooperation, the release said.