TECATE, Calif. (KGTV) – Hundreds of pounds of cocaine was found in a load of decorative rocks inside a tractor-trailer attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, and the driver was arrested.
On Wednesday, January 11, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Tecate Port of Entry were forced to open the rock and discover 57 plastic wrappers of cocaine hidden inside.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a 36-year-old driver arrived around 10:23 p.m. with a shipment of what appeared to be decorative rocks. During U.S. entry inspections, CBP officers accompanied drivers while they underwent more stringent screening.
During the inspection, a CBP officer noticed a discrepancy in the shipment, and a CBP canine unit tested the shipment, which tested positive for drugs.
“The cocaine package was concealed in a plaster-like material that appeared to be rock,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement.
CBP officers recovered approximately 256 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $4.1 million.
“Judging by the tremendous effort we have put into concealing these drugs, it is clear that our officers are extremely effective at their jobs,” said Jennifer De La O, director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in San Diego. – Customs Agents and the U.S. Border Patrol are very effective and work tirelessly to stop the negative impact of drugs on our communities.”
CBP officers seized the tractor, cargo and drugs. The driver, a Mexican national, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Post time: Jan-17-2024