Fake watermelons held $5M worth of meth, Border Patrol says
CBP photo
SAN DIEGO - Border Patrol agents intercepted a shipment of watermelons along the U.S.-Mexico border this week because some of the fruit, it turned out, was not fruit at all.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the tractor-trailer was trying to enter California from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility south of San Diego on Tuesday.
Agents flagged the truck for inspection and, among the watermelons, found 1,220 packages wrapped in watermelon-style paper. The fake fruits were stuffed with methamphetamine.
In all, agents say the packages concealed 4,587 pounds of meth, with a street value of over $5 million.
CBP photo
Calling it a "seedy situation," the agency credited an ongoing counter-fentanyl operation with snagging the meth.
"As drug cartels continue to evolve their smuggling techniques, we will continue finding new and better ways to prevent these dangerous drugs and other contraband from entering the country," pledged Rosa E. Hernandez, the director of the port of entry.
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The drugs and truck were seized, while the unnamed 29-year-old driver was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security.