CBP officers find large amounts of meth, cocaine hidden in semi heading for U.S.

Anna Ashcraft
·2 min read
CBP officers find large amounts of meth, cocaine hidden in semi heading for U.S.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics last week that was heading for the United States from Mexico.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers at the Calexico Port Cargo Facility on Tuesday found 148.28 pounds of cocaine and 12.08 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the frame of a tractor trailer that was attempting to cross the border.

Over $750,000 in cash found hidden in a spare tire

CBP officers report an empty tractor trailer, driven by an unidentified 47-year-old man, arrived at the facility at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The truck was scanned during a secondary inspection, according to CBP, and officers noticed irregularities with the frame.

28 rifles, 30 high-capacity magazines among weapons seized during traffic stop

Border Protection officers report they found a non-factory false compartment in the truck that contained a total of 56 packages. Testing confirmed the contents were cocaine and meth.

Secret Stash Unearthed: Officers at the Calexico East Cargo Facility Uncover Cocaine and Meth Hidden in Frame Compartment (Photo Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Secret Stash Unearthed: Officers at the Calexico East Cargo Facility Uncover Cocaine and Meth Hidden in Frame Compartment (Photo Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Secret Stash Unearthed: Officers at the Calexico East Cargo Facility Uncover Cocaine and Meth Hidden in Frame Compartment (Photo Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Secret Stash Unearthed: Officers at the Calexico East Cargo Facility Uncover Cocaine and Meth Hidden in Frame Compartment (Photo Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

“Our dedicated CBP officers used their keen instincts and thorough inspection techniques to uncover these dangerous narcotics hidden in a non-factory compartment of the trailer frame,” said Roque Caza, Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico. “This significant seizure exemplifies our proactive approach in our border protection measures while ensuring the smooth facilitation of lawful trade and travel.”

Several pounds of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine found hidden in muffler at U.S.-Mexico border

CBP says the driver was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The narcotics and tractor trailer were seized by CBP officers.

This seizure is the result of Operation Apollo, a counter-fentanyl effort that began on Oct. 26 in Southern California and expanded to Arizona on April 10.

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