U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents recently made a significant seizure when they intercepted a vehicle trying to smuggle 50 pounds of methamphetamine into the country. What made this case unique was that the drugs were concealed in an ice chest filled with fish.
According to a statement released by CBP officials on Wednesday, a 34-year-old man was driving a 2021 sedan through the SENTRI lane at the Calexico West Port of Entry in southern California when he was diverted by agents for further inspection as he crossed.
The SENTRI lane, also known as Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, is primarily utilized by frequent border-crossing travelers. By paying an annual fee, they gain access to the SENTRI lanes at the border crossings. These dedicated lanes offer a significant advantage as they are typically shorter and faster compared to the standard passenger car lanes.
According to authorities, the vehicle underwent a non-intrusive inspection in the secondary inspection area. CBP officers used the imaging system at the port to screen the vehicle and discovered irregularities in an ice chest located in the trunk. A CBP K-9 team was then called in and detected the presence of narcotics.
During the inspection, Customs and Border Protection officers stumbled upon an ice chest containing 25 packages filled with methamphetamine. The total weight of the drugs amounted to 47.13 pounds.
According to CBP, officers from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations took custody of the suspect, and the drugs were confiscated.
Roque Caza, the Calexico Area Port director, expressed that drug traffickers employ various strategies to deceive their officers. He commended the dedicated and skilled officers who work tirelessly every day to combat these harmful drugs, which have tragically taken numerous lives.
According to CBP, the reason for the halt was Operation Apollo. This initiative aims to enhance drug interdiction at the U.S.-Mexico border by fostering collaboration between CBP agents and various state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. The main objective is to combat the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States.