CBP seized $38 million worth of meth within a shipment of kale
By SDCN Editor
Otay Mesa, CA–U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility Saturday seized $38 million worth of methamphetamine within a shipment of kale.
CBP officers encountered a 34-year-old male driver of a tractor-trailer around 12:08 p.m. with a shipment manifest for kale. During the initial inspection, an officer referred the driver and tractor-trailer for further examination.
Officers conducted a non-intrusive inspection of the tractor-trailer, and irregularities were observed within the commodities. An officer performed a thorough examination of the shipment and discovered packages concealed within the kale. They extracted 268 packages concealed within the shipment. The narcotics were tested and identified as methamphetamine with a total weight of 5,788.41 pounds, and an estimated street value of $38,070,910.
“The collaborative effort of our CBP officers to achieve a common goal is remarkably inspiring,” said Rosa Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility. “Our officers exemplify this every day as they dedicate themselves to protecting and serving their communities with unwavering commitment and outstanding work.”
The driver was detained for the alleged narcotics smuggling attempt. Officers turned the driver over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations.
CBP officers seized the tractor, trailer, and narcotics.
