Border Patrol agents in Southern California have seized nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine worth millions of dollars after finding the drug hidden inside a shipment of carrots, officials announced Tuesday.
The drugs were seized just before noon Sunday at an Otay Mesa commercial complex near San Diego, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
CBP officers stopped a 44-year-old man who was driving a commercial tractor-trailer carrying a load of carrots. Drivers with valid border crossing cards and their luggage were subject to a secondary inspection.
When officers unloaded a shipment of carrots onto a pier for thorough inspection, they found more than just vegetables.
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CBP officers seized a total of 574 packages that tested positive for meth. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Officers found hundreds of suspicious orange packages underneath the carrot package. Officials said the packages were inspected and confirmed to contain methamphetamine.
CBP said the estimated street value of the seized meth was in the millions of dollars. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
CBP officers seized a total of 574 packages of meth (weighing approximately 2,900 pounds) from the shipment. Officials said the estimated street value of the seized drugs was in the millions of dollars.
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“I couldn’t be more proud of the extraordinary work of our CBP officers,” said Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director, Otay Mesa Port of Entry. “Our law enforcement officers are determined to combat the trafficking of dangerous drugs at our borders while promoting lawful trade and travel.”
CBP officers stopped a 44-year-old driver with a valid border crossing card at the Otay Mesa Commercial Port of Entry in Southern California on Sunday. (Google Maps)
The driver was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security for further investigation. Further information about the driver was not immediately provided.
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Since fiscal year 2024 began in October, CBP has seized more than 49,000 pounds of methamphetamine. In all of fiscal year 2023, Border Patrol agents seized approximately 140,000 pounds of meth.
