By SDCN Editor
Otay Mesa, CA–U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Otay Mesa commercial facility discovered nearly 200 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed in the fuel tank of a tractor.
On Aug. 7, at approximately 8:40 p.m., CBP officers encountered a 25-year-old male driver of a tractor-trailer applying for entry at the Otay Mesa cargo facility. During the initial inspection, an officer referred the driver, tractor, and trailer for further scrutiny.
Officers conducted a thorough hands-on inspection. While inspecting the fuel tank of the tractor officers noticed a liquid substance in the tank begin to crystalize. The substance was tested by officers and identified as liquid methamphetamine.
Officers removed the liquid methamphetamine from the fuel tank of the tractor. The narcotics were placed in six five-gallon buckets with a total weight of 195.33 pounds. The estimated street value of the drug shipment is $221,500.
“This unusual concealment method shows that drug traffickers will try anything to get their product across our borders,” said Rosa Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa port of entry. “I am proud of the remarkable job our Otay Mesa CBP officers do every day because even in this extreme weather, they do not lower their guard when it comes to protecting our nation’s borders.”
The narcotics, tractor, and trailer were seized by CBP officers.
