SAN DIEGO, CA - Nefarious deeds involving fresh produce have once again been foiled by the diligent officers keeping our country safe. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility in San Diego, California, found over $3 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of carrots.

“These types of narcotic interceptions play a critical role in our border security mission,” said Rosa Hernandez, Otay Mesa Port Director. “Our officers will continue to remain vigilant working hard to detect these smuggling techniques, stopping the negative impact that narcotics have, while also preventing the proceeds from funding transnational criminal organizations.”

Officers detained a driver from Mexico heading into the United States on December 1. The driver was referred for further examination by CBP officers along with the tractor-trailer and shipment. At the inspection area, a CBP human/narcotic detector dog screened the shipment and alerted CBP officers to the presence of narcotics within the pallets of carrots.

During the inspection, CBP officers discovered and extracted 628 packages concealed within the shipment of carrots, continued the press release. The narcotics were tested and identified as methamphetamine with a combined weight of approximately 1,435.19 lbs and an estimated street value of $3,013,899.

CBP officers transferred custody of the driver to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations for further processing and seized the tractor, trailer, and narcotics.

We thank the hard-working officers keeping our country and fresh produce safe.