OTAY MESA, CA - A shipment of kale was recently discovered to be a mask for a drug operation. United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility in California recently seized $38 million worth of methamphetamine hidden amongst the boxes of leafy greens.

“The collaborative effort of our CBP officers to achieve a common goal is remarkably inspiring,” said Rosa Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility. “Our officers exemplify this every day as they dedicate themselves to protecting and serving their communities with unwavering commitment and outstanding work.”

According to a press release, CBP officers recently encountered a 34-year-old male driver of a tractor-trailer with a shipment manifested for kale. During initial inspection, a CBP officer referred the driver and tractor-trailer for further examination, during which a CBP officer conducted a thorough examination of the shipment and discovered packages concealed within the kale.

Officials extracted 268 packages concealed within the shipment. The drugs were tested and identified as methamphetamine. With a total weight of over 5,788 lbs, the shipment reportedly had an estimated street value of $38,070,910.

We applaud the efforts of these government officials to protect fresh produce from the acts of drug traffickers.

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