Calexico, CA–U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico commercial facility intercepted more than 100 pounds of cocaine Thursday, concealed in a specially built compartment of a trailer, officials said.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. when a 22-year-old Mexican citizen commercial truck driver entered through cargo primary lanes to make entry into the United States. The officer referred the driver and tractor-trailer for further inspection.
The officers screened the truck using the port’s imaging system, like an x-ray and found anomalies on the front bottom area of the trailer. The truck was sent to the dock for further inspection and a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics.
“Smugglers are constantly utilizing innovative methods to conceal narcotics,” said Anne Maricich, Customs and Border Protection Deputy Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “Our K-9 team serves as a vital asset in keeping harmful drugs off our streets.”
Further inspection revealed a specially built compartment on the floor of the trailer. A total of 38 packages, weighing approximately 105.20 pounds of cocaine, were extracted by CBP officers from the specially built compartment.
Cocaine has an estimated street value of $1.4 million.
Customs and Border Protection officers turned the driver over to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.
The officers seized the tractor, trailer, and narcotics.
