Crime & Safety

Over $18M In Meth Found Hidden In Squash Shipment At CA Border​

Authorities squashed a smuggling attempt when they found meth hidden in a shipment of squash at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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The drugs weighed 11,469 pounds and were valued at $18,350,400, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The drugs weighed 11,469 pounds and were valued at $18,350,400, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

SAN DIEGO, CA — Authorities squashed a smuggling attempt when they found more than $18 million in methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of squash at the U.S.-Mexico border.

A tractor-trailer carrying squash entered Otay Mesa Port of Entry around 6:45 a.m. Monday, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Officers discovered "irregularities" during a secondary examination of the tractor-trailer with electronic scanning equipment and requested a canine team, according to CBP. Officers then found 1,419 packages of meth hidden within the squash. The drugs weighed 11,469 pounds and were valued at $18,350,400.

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The driver, a 44-year-old man with a valid border-crossing card, was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation, according to CBP. His name was not released.

Officers seized the narcotics, commercial tractor and trailer.

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Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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