Black Tar Heroin, Other Drugs Found In Car Muffler At CA Border​

SAN DIEGO, CA — Authorities stopped a smuggling attempt when they found 10 packages of drugs concealed inside the muffler of a car at the U.S.-Mexico border.

A 28-year-old man driving the car entered Otay Mesa Port of Entry around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A canine team alerted CBP officers to the presence of drugs during the initial inspection.

Officers discovered "irregularities" during a secondary examination of the sedan and extracted packages of black tar heroin, brown powder heroin, cocaine and fentanyl powder from the muffler. The narcotics weighed a combined 16.9 pounds.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. CBP officers seized the drugs and vehicle.

"Our CBP officers successfully intercepted a significant narcotics seizure ingeniously concealed within a vehicle's muffler," said Rosa Hernandez, port director for the Otay Mesa and Tecate ports of entry. "This singular event highlights the innovative, yet desperate measures used by drug trafficking organizations. Our dedicated officers remain vigilant, continuing to safeguard our communities from the dangers of illicit drugs."