- U.S. border agents intercepted a truck carrying over $5 million worth of methamphetamine
- This incident highlights a common method used by drug smugglers
- This seizure follows a similar bust from the previous week
U.S. border agents have made a significant drug seizure at the US-Mexico border, discovering over $5 million worth of methamphetamine concealed within a shipment of watermelons.
The drugs were cleverly disguised in plastic wrapped to mimic the appearance of the fruit, and were mixed in with genuine watermelons.
The operation led to the confiscation of over two tonnes of methamphetamine, distributed across 1,220 packages. This large-scale bust highlights a common smuggling tactic, where drugs are hidden among various produce items. While banana shipments are frequently used for such concealment, recent cases have also involved narcotics hidden in Gouda cheese and avocados.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials intercepted the truck in Otay Mesa, near the border with Mexico. Although the shipment was documented as transporting watermelons, a thorough inspection revealed the hidden drug packages.
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive and potent stimulant. Following the discovery, the driver of the truck was transferred to Homeland Security officials for further processing.
This seizure follows a similar bust from the previous week at the same border crossing, where almost 300 kilograms of meth were found in a shipment of celery. Combined, these two drug hauls have an estimated value of $6 million, according to CBS News.
Mexican drug cartels are known to be the primary sources of methamphetamine entering the U.S. Earlier this year, Mexican authorities uncovered over 40 tonnes of meth at a major drug lab, equipped with over 200 centrifuges, boilers, and condensing chambers—essential tools for meth production.
