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  4. CBP Officers Seize $3.9 Million in Drugs

CBP Officers Seize $3.9 Million in Drugs

Release Date
Wed, 06/07/2017

Including 150 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside popcorn boxes

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the ports of entry in the San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties over the weekend intercepted approximately 837 pounds of narcotics valued at over $3.9 million, including 150 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in popcorn boxes.

From Friday, June 2, through Sunday, June 4, CBP officers intercepted 388 pounds of methamphetamine, 162 pounds of cocaine, 32 pounds of heroin and 250 pounds of marijuana. CBP officers discovered the narcotics hidden inside vehicles in various places such as the bumper, trunk, spare tire, quarter panel and floor.

At about 11 a.m., on Sunday, a 25-year-old female U.S. citizen drove a 2010 Jeep Liberty to the San Ysidro port of entry. A CBP officer at primary inspections referred the vehicle due to the excessive amount of food noticed inside her vehicle.

150 lbs. of meth were hidden inside popcorn boxes.
CBP officers found 150 lbs. of
meth hidden inside popcorn boxes.

Officers utilized the port’s imaging system and anomalies were detected. A CBP canine team was called to assist. The CBP canine alerted to popcorn boxes located in the rear cargo area. A search of the popcorn boxes revealed large packages of methamphetamine.

CBP officers extracted 15 packages of methamphetamine weighing 150 pounds, with a street value of more than $481,952.

“Smuggling trends continuously fluctuate and CBP officers remain vigilant in combating these attempts,” said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego.

CBP officers seized all vehicle and narcotics.

CBP officers at the border crossings in Southern California routinely stop illegal activity, while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States. Those statistics can be found on the CBP Enforcement Statistics webpage.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021