SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered almost 290 pounds of heroin hidden in one vehicle at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, said to be the biggest haul ever discovered in a single car.
The confiscated heroin has an estimated street value of more than $13 million.
CBP officers arrested the driver, a Mexican citizen with lawful permanent residency in the U.S.
The bust was made on October 22.
According to CBP, the unidentified individual tried to enter the U.S. while driving a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado.
During a routine canine-roving operation, a narcotics-detection dog focused on the vehicle’s spare-tire area, his handler, a CBP officer, noticed an abnormality in the spare tire and requested assistance.
CBP officers removed the driver from the vehicle before they conducted further inspection on the vehicle.
Their work led them to 72 packages in hidden compartments, including the air filter, fender, glove box, rear seats and spare tire.
A narcotics test kit confirmed the contents of the packages as heroin.
“This interception is a direct result of the relentless vigilance and expertise of our CBP officers and their K9 partners,” said San Diego CBP Field Office Director Sidney Aki. “They stand on the front lines every day, committed to disrupting criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”
CBP officers notified Homeland Security Investigations who responded to interview and take the subject into custody.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is expected to file federal charges against the driver for trying to import the drugs into the U.S.
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