Methamphetamine Discovered in Watermelon Shipment

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility in California seized over $5 million worth of methamphetamine disguised as watermelons during a smuggling attempt on August 16, 2024. A 29-year-old truck driver attempted to bring the shipment into the U.S. from Mexico, claiming to carry real watermelons. Upon inspection, officers discovered 1,220 packages wrapped in green and black paper, totaling 4,587 pounds of meth. The driver has been turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry. This seizure follows a recent interception of 629 pounds of meth hidden in celery, part of CBP's Operation Apollo aimed at combating fentanyl trafficking. Rosa E. Hernandez, port director for Otay Mesa, commended the team for adapting to evolving smuggling tactics.