CBP seizes $5M in meth disguised as watermelons at US border
Meth worth $5M found hidden in fake watermelons at US border
Border agents at the U.S.-Mexico border intercepted over $5 million worth of methamphetamine disguised as inflatable watermelons. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of Mexican cartels to smuggle drugs into the United States.
A 29-year-old man driving a commercial tractor-trailer loaded with watermelons attracted the suspicion of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents. The vehicle was attempting to enter the U.S. at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility near San Diego.
During a secondary inspection, agents discovered around 1,220 fake watermelons containing 4,587 pounds of methamphetamine hidden among the actual fruit. The illicit drugs were meticulously packaged in inflatable watermelon disguises.
Tests confirmed the packages contained methamphetamine, with a total weight of 4,587 pounds and a street value exceeding $5 million. Port Director Rosa Hernandez praised the method of concealment as “sophisticated.”
Fake watermelons full of drugs fail to fool US agents https://t.co/2iIWrqeR68
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 22, 2024
Hernandez expressed pride in the team’s recent efforts, stating, “I am incredibly proud of our team for their exceptional work over the past few weeks in uncovering sophisticated and diverse smuggling methods.” She emphasised the need for continuous innovation to counter the evolving tactics of drug cartels.
The seizure follows a significant operation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Atlanta, where agents seized a record-breaking amount of crystal meth concealed in celery shipments. The DEA reported the seizure of 2,585 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $3.2 million.
Robert J. Murphy, special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, commented on the operation, stating, “This is a significant and unbelievable amount of drugs to be shipped at one time and to a destination this far from the border.” Murphy noted the confidence displayed by the cartel in executing such a large shipment.
Fox News Digital contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for comment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did border agents find hidden in the inflatable watermelons?
Over $5 million in methamphetamine.
Where was the tractor-trailer with the fake watermelons intercepted?
At the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility near San Diego.
How much methamphetamine was found in the fake watermelons?
4,587 pounds.
What other recent significant drug seizure was mentioned in the article?
The DEA in Atlanta seized 2,585 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in celery.
What did Port Director Rosa Hernandez say about the smuggling method?
She described it as ‘sophisticated.’
