Large quantity of methamphetamine discovered hidden in a cooler filled with fish during border crossing at Mexicali-Calexico.
Methamphetamine Seizure at Calexico West Port of Entry
On Sunday evening, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made a significant discovery at the Calexico West Port of Entry in Southern California. During a routine screening of a 2021 sedan trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, they found approximately 47.13 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in an ice chest located in the vehicle's trunk.
The discovery was made possible by the port's imaging system, which revealed irregularities within the ice chest. A CBP K-9 team responded and alerted to the presence of narcotics.
The suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested at the Mexicali-Calexico border crossing. However, no information about the suspect's custody has been provided, and it's unknown if they have been apprehended yet.
This methamphetamine seizure is part of Operation Apollo, a 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.
It's important to clarify that this case does not involve an American fugitive, as stated in a different report. Neither is it related to a tractor trailer or fentanyl pills found at the Mexicali-Calexico border, as reported elsewhere.
The investigation into the methamphetamine seizure is currently ongoing. The value of the seized methamphetamine has not been calculated or disclosed in this report.
Operation Apollo utilizes local CBP field assets along with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to boost resources and target the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States. The focus of the investigation remains on the smuggling of methamphetamine into the country.
The driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old man, was referred for further examination and was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The identity of the suspect involved in this case has not been released.
This seizure marks another successful operation in the ongoing fight against the illegal drug trade, demonstrating the diligence and commitment of CBP officers in safeguarding the nation's borders.
