U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stationed at various ports of entry in the San Diego and Imperial Counties in California recently seized more than 830 pounds of narcotics over multiple incidents.
In total, CBP seized 388 pounds of methamphetamine, 250 pounds of marijuana, 162 pounds of cocaine, and 32 pounds of heroin, all of which carried an estimated street value of $3.9 million.
In one incident, officers referred a 2010 Jeep Liberty SUV driven by a 25-year old female for a secondary inspection after an officer noticed an excessive amount of food boxes within the vehicle. Using a non-intrusive imaging system, the officers were able to detect anomalies within the food boxes.
After a narcotics-detecting canine unit was called to the scene, officers were alerted to multiple popcorn boxes in the vehicle’s cargo area. A subsequent search of the boxes led to the discovery of 15 packages of methamphetamine, weighing a total of 150 pounds.
“Smuggling trends continuously fluctuate and CBP officers remain vigilant in combating these attempts,” CBP San Diego Director of Field Operations Pete Flores said.
Officers seized all drugs and each individual involved in a smuggling attempt was arrested and detained for criminal processing.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.