CALEXICO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Calexico Commercial Facility have seized more than 500 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a flatbed trailer.
On Monday, May 20, at approximately 5:20 p.m., CBP officers encountered a 25-year-old man driving a commercial tractor with an empty flatbed trailer applying for entry from Mexico at the Calexico East Commercial Facility. The driver, who holds a valid border crossing card, was referred for further examination along with the tractor and trailer.
During the secondary inspection, CBP officers used non-intrusive technology to screen the tractor and trailer, revealing anomalies. A canine unit also alerted officers to the presence of contraband in the trailer.
Upon conducting a thorough inspection, officers discovered 172 packages concealed within the frame of the trailer. The packages were tested and identified as methamphetamine, with a total weight of 523 pounds.
“I commend our officers for utilizing all available resources to prevent these drugs from entering our communities,” stated Roque Caza, Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico. “We remain committed to a comprehensive strategy in preventing and disrupting drug smuggling at our southern borders.”
CBP officers seized the narcotics, tractor, and flatbed trailer, and the driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
This seizure is part of Operation Apollo, a holistic counter-fentanyl effort that began on October 26, 2023, in southern California and expanded to Arizona on April 10, 2024. Operation Apollo focuses on intelligence collection and partnerships, utilizing local CBP field assets augmented by federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to enhance resources, collaboration, and targeting of fentanyl smuggling into the United States.–By Jaime Ruiz