By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry discovered over $2 million worth of cocaine hidden in a traveler’s vehicle.
On January 4, at around 12:40 p.m., Border Protection officers encountered a 31-year-old man driving a Volkswagen to the U.S. through the San Ysidro port of entry. The driver presented a valid state-issued identification card to the officers.
During the primary inspection, officers noticed some inconsistencies on the body of the vehicle. The driver and vehicle were referred to secondary inspection for further examination.
At secondary inspection, officers screened the vehicle using the port’s imaging system which works as an x-ray machine and detected anomalies between the rear seat and the trunk area. Officers examined the area where they discovered and extracted a total of 50 packages concealed within a non-factory compartment in the vehicle.
The narcotics were tested and identified as cocaine with a combined weight of approximately 131.88 pounds and an estimated street value of $2,093,700.
“This seizure shows the tremendous commitment and dedication our officers have in protecting our nation’s borders,” said Jennifer De La O, Customs and Border Protection director of Field Operations in San Diego.
Officers transferred custody of the driver to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.
Customs and Border Protection seized the vehicle and the narcotics.
