OTAY MESA, CA - Authorities in the U.S. and abroad have remained active the past few weeks in keeping fresh produce out of the hands of criminals as we here at AndNowUKnow have reported. Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the commercial facility in Otay Mesa port of entry played a key role in apprehending a shipment of marijuana hidden amongst papayas.
“CBP officers are vigilant to stop those who intend to do harm in our communities and at the border, as they attempt to enter the U.S.,” said Anne Maricich, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP in San Diego. “Their enforcement efforts and experience are put to the test regularly, and the results are phenomenal as their focus is always to protect this country.”
On Monday, February 22, a truck arrived at the Otay Mesa port that was hauling a trailer shipment of fresh papaya, but upon further inspection, CBP officers recommended the vehicle for X-ray imaging. The scan uncovered suspicious anomalies that were later discovered to be 12,000 lbs of marijuana.
After an intensive search by officers and canines, 873 packages of marijuana were uncovered hidden within the shipment, according to a press release. The cache of drugs are estimated to have a street value of more than $27 million.
CBP officers seized the drugs, truck, and trailer before turning the driver over to the custody of agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Due to the watchful eye of authorities, criminals have once again been stopped from using our precious fresh produce for their unsavory activities.
