Part of the frame of a flatbed trailer where meth was hiddenCustoms and Border Protection
On Monday May 20, at about 5:20 p.m., CBP officers encountered a 25-year-old man driving a commercial tractor hauling an empty flatbed trailer applying for entry from Mexico at the Calexico East Commercial Facility. The driver, a valid border crossing card holder, was referred for further examination by CBP officers along with the tractor and flatbed trailer.
In the secondary inspection area, CBP officers used non-intrusive technology to screen the tractor and trailer, revealing anomalies. A canine unit also responded and alerted CBP officers to the trailer.
Upon conducting the inspection, CBP officers discovered 172 packages concealed within the frame of the trailer. The contents of the packages were tested and identified as methamphetamine with a total weight of 523 pounds.
"I commend our officers in making full use of all available resources to prevent these drugs from entering our communities," stated Roque Caza, port director for the Area Port of Calexico. "We remain committed to maintaining a comprehensive strategy in preventing and disrupting drug smuggling at our southern borders."
CBP officers seized the narcotics, tractor, and trailer while the driver was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
