Over 3,000 Pounds of Meth Seized At Otay Mesa Border

SAN DIEGO, CA — More than 3,000 pounds of crystal methamphetamine worth almost $5 million was seized this month by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility, federal officials in San Diego reported this weekend.

The drugs were concealed in a cargo trailer that was seized on April 14, but the shipment manifest had listed the commodity as corrugated cardboard boxes, according to CBP officials.

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CBP officers referred a 2017 Freightliner Cascadia tractor, its trailer, and the 31-year-old male Mexican driver for secondary inspection. A non-intrusive inspection revealed anomalies in the trailer's front wall, and a CBP canine alerted officers to the same area. authorities said.

A physical inspection allegedly uncovered 300 packages containing a crystal-like substance wrapped in clear plastic. The packages tested positive for methamphetamine, totaling 3,078.10 pounds, officials said.

"Our CBP officers at ports of entry are unwavering guardians," Otay Mesa Port Director Rosa Hernandez said. "Their diligence prevented illegal narcotics from entering our country, so our communities are kept safe from dangerous drugs."