TECATE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A 33-year-old man was taken into custody at the Tecate Port of Entry last week after a large amount of narcotics were found in the truck he was driving, said U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The encounter occurred on Wednesday July 17, when the driver was applying for admission into the U.S. from Mexico shortly before 6 p.m. CBP said a K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of drugs, prompting them to send the man and vehicle for secondary inspection.
CBP used inspection technology to screen the truck, which showed abnormalities in a toolbox and canopy bag that were located in the vehicle. At that time, a total of 35 packages were found. The contents tested positive for methamphetamine, collectively weighing in at 133.11 pounds.
The man was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP officers.
“We commend the exceptional diligence and expertise of our CBP K-9 teams for their pivotal role in detecting and aiding in the seizure of 133 pounds of methamphetamine,” stated Rosa Hernandez, port director for the Area Port of Otay Mesa. “This significant interception underscores the vital importance of our ongoing efforts under Operation Apollo X to disrupt criminal supply networks and keep narcotics out of our nation’s communities.”
As explained by CBP, Operation Apollo refers to “a holistic counter-fentanyl effort” that began on Oct. 26, 2023, in Southern California.
Read: Read More