Border Patrol finds 200 pounds of meth hidden in pickup truck crossing California border

U.S. Border Patrol agents in California found more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine hidden throughout an entire pickup truck, U.S. Customs, and Border Protection said in a press release on Friday. 

Agents flagged down a 2020 pickup truck that was returning from Mexico through the Calexico West Port of Entry at the U.S. southern border on Thursday at around 1:43 a.m. for a secondary inspection.

A non-intrusive inspection was used to conduct a full scan of the vehicle, during which agents noticed several “irregularities” throughout the vehicle. Canine units were called to investigate and determine whether anything was hidden in the truck. The dogs alerted the officers of the presence of narcotics. 

Hidden inside the truck’s four doors, tailgate, engine bay, center console, backseat area, and spare tire, agents discovered 235 pounds of methamphetamine. The drugs had an estimated street value of $235,370.

"This smuggling attempt is a reminder that no matter how ingenious the ploy, our CBP officers remain vigilant and prevail over these dangerous and illegal actions," Roque Caza, Area Port Director for Calexico said.

The truck belonged to a 26-year-old American citizen. The driver was detained and transferred over to Homeland Security Investigations for due processing. 

Agents stationed at the Calexico West Port of Entry have had several encounters with attempted narcotics smuggling. In May of this year, agents discovered a vehicle carrying 109.17 pounds of fentanyl. The drugs were also hidden throughout the vehicle, including the rear quarter panels, doors, seats, and the speaker box. 

A few days later, Calexico agents seized three packages of methamphetamine that were hidden under a car’s undercarriage. The packages weighed a total of 15.30 pounds and had an estimated street value of $100,600.