SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility discovered 360 pounds of fentanyl powder and cocaine hidden within a flatbed trailer.
CBP says it’s the largest bust so far this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.
The discovery was made last Friday when a 44-year-old man driving a commercial tractor-trailer with an empty flatbed trailer approached the inspection plaza.
According to CBP, the driver had a valid border crossing card.
Officers sent him and vehicle to secondary inspection where “non-intrusive inspection technology” was used to inspect the tractor and flatbed trailer.
Packets containing cocaine and fentanyl discovered by CBP officers at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry found in a flatbed semi-truck. (Courtesy: CBP)
The search revealed anomalies.
A K-9 team was called in to screen the flatbed trailer, and the dog alerted officers to the presence of narcotics.
After an intensive examination, CBP officers discovered packages hidden in a non-factory compartment within the frame of the flatbed trailer.
A total of 77 packages of cocaine weighing 227.96 pounds and 50 packages of fentanyl powder weighing 133.60 pounds were extracted by CBP officers.
The driver was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
The narcotics, semi-truck, and trailer were seized by CBP officers.
“This record-setting seizure is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.”
stated Rosa Hernandez Port Director for the Area Ports of Otay Mesa. “Concealing such a staggering quantity of fentanyl and cocaine within a flatbed trailer shows the lengths traffickers will go and further showcases the exceptional vigilance and hard work our officers perform on a daily basis.”
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