U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized more than 3 million fentanyl pills hidden in a truckload of produce.
The drug seizure occurred around 7:20 a.m. on Monday, April 17, at the Otay Mesa port of entry in Otay Mesa, California.
Officers encountered a 48 year old truck driver hauling a shipment manifested as green beans.
The truck was referred for an “intensive agriculture inspection.”
After a “non-intrusive inspection” system was utilized, CBP detected irregularities in the shipment. A canine unit alerted to the presence of drugs on the truck.
CBP discovered 308 packages concealed within the shipment of green beans. The content of the packages was tested and identified as fentanyl pills with a total weight of 776.03 pounds.
The estimated street value of the seized pills is $21,120,000.
The truck driver was detained on suspicion of narcotics smuggling and handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The truck, trailer, and pills were seized by CBP.
“CBP recognizes our officers’ exceptional performance and applaud their continued efforts to protect and serve our communities,” said Rosa Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility. “This seizure provides insight and displays how our officers work together in collaboration to keep this dangerous drug off the streets.”