Truck driver’s visa cancelled after officers find 185 pounds of cocaine hidden in metal beams of car hauler trailer
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested a truck driver and canceled his visa after finding a large amount of cocaine hidden within a car hauler at a Calexico, California, border crossing.
Officials say that on September 17, 2025, “the male driver of a tractor-trailer, pulling a car hauler,” entered the Calexico East Port of Entry Commercial Facility.
The driver told CBP that he was headed to Pomona, California, to collect vehicles for transport to Mexicali, Mexico.
Based on “initial observations,” the vehicle was referred for a secondary inspection.
A nonintrusive inspection using X-ray technology revealed anomalies within the car hauler.
“Leveraging advanced imaging technology, a positive K9 alert, and physical inspection techniques, officers uncovered 70 packages containing a white powdery substance concealed inside the trailer. A field test confirmed the substance was cocaine,” CBP said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations was contacted to investigate the case, which was accepted for federal prosecution.
CBP seized the cocaine, the tractor and the car hauler.
The truck driver was taken into custody.
“The driver’s visa was canceled, and he now faces federal drug smuggling charges,” CBP said.
“This seizure highlights the dedication and vigilance of CBP officers in protecting our nation’s borders and preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities,” said Calexico Port of Entry Director Roque Caza. “Our officers work tirelessly to disrupt criminal organizations and safeguard the public.”