Cocaine and meth found concealed in tractor trailer frame at California cargo facility

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently seized more than 160 pounds of drugs found hidden in a tractor trailer frame.

The drug seizure took place on July 16 at the Calexico Port Cargo Facility in California.

Around 12:45 p.m., a 47 year old man attempted to cross from Mexico into the U.S. in an empty tractor trailer. The vehicle was referred for a secondary inspection.

CBP used non-intrusive scanning technology on the vehicle and detected “irregularities within the frame.”

“A cursory inspection was conducted which led to the discovery of a non-factory compartment within the frame. CBP officers examined the false compartment discovering and extracting a total of 56 packages concealed within. The contents of the packages were tested and identified as cocaine and methamphetamine,” officials said.

CBP seized a total of 148.28 pounds of cocaine and 12.08 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the frame. The tractor trailer was also seized.

The driver of the tractor trailer was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations.

“Our dedicated CBP officers used their keen instincts and thorough inspection techniques to uncover these dangerous narcotics hidden in a non-factory compartment of the trailer frame,” said Roque Caza, Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico. “This significant seizure exemplifies our proactive approach in our border protection measures while ensuring the smooth facilitation of lawful trade and travel.”