More than 600 pounds of methamphetamine have been found concealed within a shipment of celery in California, officials said.
The incident occurred on the evening of Aug. 9 when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility in California encountered a 34-year-old man driving a commercial tractor-trailer who was seeking entry into the United States from Mexico, according to a statement on Monday issued by CBP.
“The driver, who held a valid border crossing card, was transporting a shipment declared as celery,” authorities said. “Following routine procedures, CBP officers directed the driver, the tractor-trailer, and its cargo to secondary inspection for a more thorough examination.”
During that inspection, a CBP K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics and officials ended up intercepting 629 pounds of methamphetamine contained within 508 packages hidden among the celery with an estimated street value of approximately $755,000, officials said.
“Our officers’ vigilance and expertise once again thwarted an attempt to smuggle narcotics disguised as everyday produce,” said Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director for the Area Port of Otay Mesa. “This discovery underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from the perils of drug trafficking.”
CBP officers subsequently seized the narcotics and the commercial tractor-trailer involved in the smuggling attempt and the currently unnamed driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
CBP credits this seizure as a result of Operation Apollo, “a holistic counter-fentanyl effort that began on Oct. 26, 2023, in southern California, and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024.,” authorities said. “Operation Apollo focuses on intelligence collection and partnerships, and utilizes local CBP field assets augmented by federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to boost resources, increase collaboration, and target the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States.”
The investigation into this case remains open.
In a shocking turn of events, authorities recently made a major drug bust after discovering over 600 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of celery. The discovery was made at a port in California, where customs officials were conducting routine inspections of incoming cargo.
The methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of millions of dollars, was carefully hidden within the celery shipment in an attempt to evade detection. The drugs were packed in vacuum-sealed bags and hidden among the vegetables, making it difficult for authorities to spot them at first glance.
This discovery highlights the lengths that drug traffickers will go to in order to smuggle their illegal substances into the country. By using legitimate shipments of produce as cover, they are able to slip past customs officials and law enforcement agencies who are tasked with preventing the flow of drugs into the country.
The bust is a major win for authorities in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the opioid epidemic that is ravaging communities across the country. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that can have devastating effects on individuals and families who become caught up in its grip.
The discovery also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and thorough inspections of incoming cargo at ports and border crossings. Customs officials play a crucial role in intercepting illegal drugs and preventing them from reaching the streets, where they can cause harm and destruction.
In response to this latest bust, authorities have launched an investigation to track down the individuals responsible for smuggling the methamphetamine into the country. They are working to dismantle the drug trafficking network behind this shipment and bring those involved to justice.
Overall, the discovery of over 600 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a celery shipment is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking. It also serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of customs officials who are committed to keeping our communities safe from the scourge of illegal drugs.
