U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Calexico Commercial Facility intercepted over 500 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a flatbed trailer, marking a significant drug bust.
On Monday, May 20, at approximately 5:20 p.m., CBP officers encountered a 25-year-old man driving a commercial tractor hauling an empty flatbed trailer seeking entry from Mexico at the Calexico East Commercial Facility. The driver, a valid border crossing card holder, was referred for further examination along with the tractor and trailer.
During the secondary inspection, CBP officers utilized non-intrusive technology to screen the tractor and trailer, revealing anomalies. A CBP 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 contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing a total of 523 pounds.
“I commend our officers for making full use of 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 maintaining a comprehensive strategy in preventing and disrupting drug smuggling at our southern borders.”
CBP officers seized the narcotics, tractor, and flatbed trailer. The driver was turned over to the custody of 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 boost resources, increase collaboration, and target the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States.
This operation continues to highlight the importance of cross-agency collaboration and advanced technology in combating drug trafficking and protecting American communities from the scourge of illegal narcotics.
