SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa Commercial Port of Entry found 378 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of fresh tomatillos on Sunday.
A 35-year-old man driving a commercial tractor-trailer with a valid border crossing card was sent for further examination along with his vehicle when scanners captured “irregularities,” according to CBP.
Packages containing meth were found hidden in a shipment of tomatillos at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The drug had a street value of more than $450,000. (Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Upon searching the trailer, CBP officers discovered and extracted a total of 50 packages concealed in the shipment of tomatillos, small green tomatoes.
The contents of the packages were tested and identified as methamphetamine with a total weight of 378 pounds with a street value of $453,600.
“The dedication and vigilance demonstrated by our officers in protecting our nation’s borders while enhancing economic prosperity truly reflect the culture and values of CBP,” stated Rosa E. Hernandez, port director for the Area Port of Otay Mesa. “This seizure highlights criminal organizations’ efforts to smuggle narcotics in agricultural products and showcases our officers’ skills in detecting and preventing harmful drugs from entering our country and communities.”
CBP officers seized the narcotics and commercial tractor-trailer.
The driver was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations.
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