Drug smugglers hauling limes attempted to conceal $3 million worth of cocaine by wrapping the packages in photos of limes.
The drugs were found on Thursday, February 22nd inside a semi truck trying to pass through the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility in California at 11:22 a.m.
According to US Customs and Border Protection, the 42-year-old trucker hauling a load of persian limes was in possession of a valid border crossing card when he was referred to secondary inspection. A k9 officer then alerted agents to the possible presence of contraband, so agents investigated the tractor trailer further.
During the investigation, agents uncovered 158 suspicious packages wrapped in photos of limes and quickly identified the substance as cocaine.
Agents discovered a total of 435 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $3,355,800. The truck driver was taken into custody and the narcotics and tractor trailer were seized.
“Rain or shine are officers work tirelessly to ensure our communities are free of these dangerous drugs,” said Rosa Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. “I’m proud of the efforts our officers make day in and day out.”