US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized a truck loaded with more than $5 million worth of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of fake watermelons at the US-Mexico border. According to a press release, the powerful stimulant, known colloquially as crystal meth, was found on Friday, wrapped in packages that looked like bright green watermelons. The truck was seized at the San Diego Port of Otay Mesa. Officers seized more than two tons of methamphetamine — in a total of 1,220 packages.
Sharing photos of the fake watermelons, CBP wrote on Twitter, “Watermelons are known as a refreshing fruit, but…CBP officers seized more than $5 million worth of meth hidden inside a shipment of watermelons. Officers discovered 1,220 packages disguised as watermelons, weighing more than 4,000 pounds.”
Take a look below:
Watermelon is known as a refreshing fruit, but…CBP officers seized more than $5 million worth of meth hidden inside a shipment of watermelons. Officers recovered 1,220 packages disguised as watermelons, weighing more than 4,000 pounds. ➡️ pic.twitter.com/VSXFbp3Cg2
— CBP (@CBP) August 23, 2024
According to the press note, the US CBP said that officers had stopped a truck carrying a trailer at the Mexican border in Otay Mesa. The paperwork showed that the 29-year-old driver was carrying a consignment of watermelons, but an inspection revealed that the parcel contained methamphetamine.
“CBP officers seized the narcotics and the commercial tractor-trailer, while the driver was turned over to Department of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation,” officials said.
Separately, Port Director Rosa Hernandez described the concealment methods as “sophisticated.” “As the drug cartels continue to develop their smuggling techniques, we will continue to look for new and better ways to prevent these dangerous drugs and other contraband items from entering the country,” Ms. Hernandez said.
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Meanwhile, according to sources The GuardianThe seizure came a week after officers at the same border crossing discovered nearly 300 kilograms of meth on a shipment of celery. Earlier this year, 6 tons of meth was also found inside a shipment of squash in California. This comes after meth and cocaine were found in cartons of jalapeno paste being transported across the border last year. Smugglers have also hidden drugs inside shipments of green beans, sugar, flour and candy.
According to press notes, the Border Patrol attributed the seizure to Operation Apollo, an effort against fentanyl that began in Southern California last October and expanded to Arizona in April, with a focus on intelligence gathering and partnerships.
