OTAY MESA, Calif. – A significant drug bust occurred at the Otay Mesa port of entry’s cargo facility where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers uncovered marijuana valued at over $5 million hidden within a tractor trailer this past Friday.
On Friday, a single seizure resulted in the discovery of 2,573 lbs. of marijuana worth over $5 million at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility. @CBP officers discovered the marijuana concealed within a shipment of abrasive cutting wheels. For more info: https://t.co/0Rj9wJ4zEx pic.twitter.com/0h331TeLD4
— Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki (@DFOSanDiegoCA) September 28, 2023
The incident unfolded on the afternoon of Sept. 22, when a 46-year-old Mexican national arrived at the port, driving a tractor-trailer. The shipment was declared as abrasive cutting wheels. However, a CBP officer, suspecting something amiss, directed the vehicle and its driver for a detailed inspection.
Advanced non-intrusive inspection technology was employed in the secondary examination area, revealing irregularities within the cargo. This prompted a meticulous inspection, leading to an unexpected discovery.
Officers unearthed 102 packages ingeniously hidden amidst the consignment of abrasive cutting wheels. Subsequent testing confirmed the packages contained marijuana, amassing a total weight of 2,573.38 pounds.
“The smuggling of marijuana has seen a decline, yet it continues to be a prohibited substance,” remarked Rosa Hernandez, the Otay Mesa Port Director. “This significant confiscation underscores the persistent and dynamic nature of drug trafficking challenges that our officers are confronted with every day.”
The marijuana, weighing in excess of 2,500 pounds, was seized by CBP officers. The driver was detained and handed over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further inquiry. The narcotics have an estimated street value of approximately $5,146,760.
PREVIOUSLY: US-Mexico Border: $9.9M in Marijuana Seized
