CBP seizes over 900 pounds of liquid meth found in tractor-trailer’s fuel tank

SAN DIEGO (KYMA) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says officers at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility seized over 900 pounds of liquid methamphetamine hidden in the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer.

According to a press release, it happened earlier this month when CBP officers encountered a 26-year-old man from Mexico driving a tractor-trailer, seeking entry into the U.S. from Mexico.

Following an initial inspection, CBP says the officers referred the driver and vehicle for further inspection.

During the secondary inspection, CBP says officers used "nonintrusive inspection technology to screen the vehicle," but was then referred to a more in-depth inspection.

During that inspection, CBP says officers opened the fuel tank and using a probe, they found a gel-like substance mixed within the diesel fuel.

CBP says the officers seized "a total of 29 five-gallon buckets of the liquid substance from the fuel tank," prompting one of the officers to conduct a field test on the liquid, which was then tested positive for methamphetamine weighing 944 pounds.

"Thanks to the vigilance and expertise of our officers, we successfully intercepted 944 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed within the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer," Otay Mesa Port Director Rosa Hernandez stated. "This significant seizure demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting our borders and preventing dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities."

CBP says the driver was taken into Homeland Security Investigations' custody for futher investigation while CBP seized both the vehicle and narcotics.