SAN DIEGO, Calif. — An investigation is continuing after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility seized over 900 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed in the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer.
CBP said in a press release that the seizure occurred March 2, when officers encountered a 26-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a semi truck, seeking entry into the United States from Mexico. After initial inspection, CBP officers referred the driver and vehicle for further examination.
In the secondary inspection area, CBP officers say it utilized nonintrusive inspection technology to screen the vehicle and referred it for a more in-depth inspection. During the inspection, CBP officers opened the fuel tank of the rig and inserted a probe, revealing an unknown gel-like substance mixed within the diesel.
CBP officers extracted a total of 29 five-gallon buckets of the liquid substance from the fuel tank. A CBP officer conducted a field test on the liquid, which tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 944 pounds.
“Thanks to the vigilance and expertise of our officers, we successfully intercepted 944 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed within the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer,” Otay Mesa Port Director Rosa Hernandez stated. “This significant seizure demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting our borders and preventing dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities.”
The driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. CBP seized the narcotics and the tractor-trailer.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
