Crime
CBP discovers 50 pounds of methamphetamines hidden in seized fish at border crossing
The activity that allowed this seizure is part of Operation Apollo, an interagency effort that began in October 2023 in Southern California
April 19, 2024 6:56am
Updated: April 21, 2024 12:51pm
United States border authorities managed to disrupt a sophisticated methamphetamine smuggling operation after discovering nearly 50 pounds of this dangerous drug camouflaged in a cooler full of fish.
The discovery occurred during a routine check at the Calexico West border crossing, when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers searched a vehicle that intended to enter the country through the SENTRI lane, intended for reliable travelers.
🐟That's a Halibut Catch!
— Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki (@DFOSanDiegoCA) April 18, 2024
.@CBP officers working the #Calexico West POE seized 25 packages concealed within an ice chest of fish, Sunday night. The packages were identified as methamphetamine weighing 47 pounds. Read more here: https://t.co/PUElrDcqiO pic.twitter.com/R3odVLOQRs
After subjecting the driver, a 34-year-old man, and his 2021 model car to a non-intrusive secondary inspection, the agents detected irregularities inside a cooler located in the trunk. Alerted by a drug dog, they opened the container and found 25 packages that tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing approximately 47 pounds.
"Drug traffickers will do everything possible to try to fool our officers," warned Roque Caza, director of the Calexico area port. "I am proud that our highly trained officers work diligently every day to combat these dangerous drugs that have claimed so many lives."
The activity that allowed this seizure is part of Operation Apollo, an interagency effort that began in October 2023 in Southern California and recently extended to Arizona, whose objective is to stop the trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs to the United States.
Through intelligence gathering and strengthening strategic alliances, this initiative employs federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial resources to increase collaboration and effectively combat international drug trafficking networks.
The suspect was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations authorities, while his identity remains confidential.
