OTAY MESA, CA - Over $5 million worth of illicit contraband is now off the streets thanks to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry’s cargo facility. Of the two-part seizure, over 400 pounds of cocaine was found within a shipment of cucumbers.

“The impact our CBP officers have on our agency and the wider community goes far beyond the call of duty,” stated Rosa Hernandez, Otay Mesa Port Director. “This seizure is a true testament of the diligent work ethic our officers possess.”

On September 15, CBP officers encountered a tractor trailer with a shipment manifest for cucumbers. During the secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered 146 packages concealed within the shipment of cucumbers. The packages were tested and identified as cocaine, totaling 401.68 pounds.

CBP officers seized the tractors, trailers, and narcotics, while the drivers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further processing. This seizure, combined with a previous shipment intercepted on September 12, adds to an estimated street value of $5,367,525.

More details can be found here.

We salute the brave officers helping keep our borders and fresh produce safe.