Officers seize $5 million worth of marijuana from big rig at California cargo facility
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized more than a ton of marijuana from a big rig manifesting abrasive cutting wheels.
The drug seizure occurred shortly before 3 p.m. on September 22 at the Otay Mesa port of entry’s cargo facility located in Otay Mesa, California.
CBP officers encountered a 46 year old Mexican truck driver behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle hauling a shipment manifested as abrasive cutting wheels.
The vehicle and driver were referred for a closer inspection.
CBP used non-intrusive inspection technology and detected anomalies within the truck’s load.
A physical inspection uncovered 102 packages containing marijuana hidden within the shipment.
The total weight of the marijuana is 2,573.38 pounds with an estimated street value of $5,146,760.
CBP seized the marijuana.
The truck driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations.
“Even though we’ve noticed a decrease in the smuggling of marijuana, it remains illegal,” stated Rosa Hernandez, Otay Mesa Port Director. “This seizure highlights the constant evolving nature of the drug challenges our officers encounter daily.”
On Friday, a single seizure resulted in the discovery of 2,573 lbs. of marijuana worth over $5 million at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility. @CBP officers discovered the marijuana concealed within a shipment of abrasive cutting wheels. For more info: https://t.co/0Rj9wJ4zEx pic.twitter.com/0h331TeLD4
— Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki (@DFOSanDiegoCA) September 28, 2023