OTAY MESA, CA - In one of the latest drug smuggling attempts involving fresh produce, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility uncovered a massive amount of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of green onions. Overall, $3.3 million worth of the drug was uncovered.

“CBP officers are the front line of stopping these dangerous drugs from entering the U.S.,” said Jennifer De La O, CBP Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office. “The lengths drug trafficking organizations are willing to go to conceal and smuggle narcotics is a testament to how effective our officers are.”

The seizure occurred on October 20 when officers encountered a tractor trailer with a shipment manifested for green onions. During the initial inspection, a CBP officer referred the driver and tractor trailer for further examination, a press release explained.

Officers discovered a package disguised as onion chives concealed deep in the middle of the pallet, and ultimately removed 183 packages containing methamphetamine. Approximately 1,528.99 lbs were seized.

The driver was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt and CBP officers seized the tractors, trailers, and narcotics.

Once again, we thank the officials who continue to protect fresh produce from these nefarious acts.