Cocaine and cucumber shipment lands smuggler in a real pickle
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry’s cargo facility seized approximately $3.6 million worth of cocaine concealed in a shipment of cucumbers.
On Sept. 15, CBP officers encountered a 33-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a tractor trailer, with a shipment manifest for cucumbers. During initial inspection, a CBP officer referred the driver and tractor trailer for further examination.
During secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered 146 packages concealed within the shipment of cucumbers. The packages were tested and identified as cocaine with a total weight of 401.68 pounds.
“The impact our CBP officers have on our agency and the wider community goes far beyond the call of duty,” said Rosa Hernandez, Otay Mesa port director. “This seizure is a true testament of the diligent work ethic our officers possess.”
CBP officers seized the tractor, trailer and narcotics, while the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.
