$5M In Cocaine Found Hidden In Bus Gas Tank At San Ysidro Border

SAN DIEGO, CA — About $5 million worth of cocaine was found hidden inside the gas tank of a commercial passenger bus crossing into the United States at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, federal officials said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 110 packages containing 262.21 pounds of cocaine during the Sept. 22 inspection, according to the agency.

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Officers had referred the Mexican national driving the 2004 MCI Dina bus for additional inspection after he sought entry into the country.

An inspection system detected anomalies in the bus's gas tank, and a CBP canine also alerted officers to the tank. Further examination revealed signs of tampering and a hidden compartment, officials said.

The driver faces state prosecution on suspicion of importing narcotics. CBP officers also canceled his visa, affecting his eligibility for future entry into the U.S.