CBP Officers find meth on Mexican citizen

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Calexico West port of entry arrested a man on Friday after discovering 31 pounds of methamphetamine concealed inside the trailer’s axles.

The incident occurred last Friday at 7:40 p.m. when CBP officers encountered the 42-year-old male Mexican citizen after he entered the port driving a 1999 Chevy Silverado pick-up truck hauling a trailer. An officer referred the driver and vehicle for a more in-depth examination.

Officers conducted an intensive inspection that included the use of a canine unit. After canine alerted to the trailer’s undercarriage, officers discover 21 wrapped packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the trailer’s axles. The weight of the narcotics was 31 pounds with a street value of approximately $43,400.

“Drug organizations continue to utilize deep concealment methods, but thanks to technology, canines, and officer training, officers continue to discover and stop these dangerous drugs from entering the U.S.,” Said Area Port Director David Salazar.

The driver, a resident of Mexicali, Baja California was arrested and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing. He was later transported to the Imperial County Jail where he currently awaits arraignment.

CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle.

CBP officers at the border crossings in Southern California routinely stop illegal activity, while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States. Those statistics can be found here: CBP-enforcement-statistics