Multiple Travelers Arrested After CBP Officers Intercept Over $2.7 Million Worth of Liquid Methamphetamine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested multiple travelers this Sunday after intercepting two smuggling attempts of liquid methamphetamine concealed in recreational trailers.  Total value of the seized narcotics is estimated at over $2.7 million. 

“Narcotics smugglers have always taken advantage of holiday season traffic to sneak in their dangerous drugs,” said Jennifer De La O, CBP Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office. “I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our CBP officers on protecting our nation’s borders. Their remarkable experience is one of the best tools they have.” 

The first interception occurred on Sunday, at approximately 8 p.m., when a white Ford Excursion towing a trailer was selected for inspection by CBP officers working at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Aboard the vehicle were four travelers, a 61-year-old female, a 61-year-old male, a 56-year-old male, and a 47-year-old female, who presented valid state IDs to officers. 

During the inspection, CBP officers noticed an unusual liquid within the trailer’s water tank. The liquid, identified as methamphetamine, was extracted into 22 five-gallon buckets. 

The total weight of the liquid methamphetamine was 735.59 pounds with an estimated street value of $1,544,739. 

The second smuggling attempt occurred later that same day at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. At approximately 9:13 p.m. CBP officers selected a silver Ford Excursion towing a trailer for inspection after noticing tampering under certain areas of the trailer. The travelers in the vehicle, a 21-year-old male, a 22-year-old male, and an 18-year-old male, presented their valid state issued IDs as entry documents. A canine screened the vehicle and alerted near the liquid tank under the trailer.  CBP officers escorted the vehicle for examination. 

Further inspection of the trailer resulted in the discovery of 554.73 pounds of liquid methamphetamine. The liquid methamphetamine was stored in 16 sealed five-gallon buckets. 

The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $1,164,933. 

All seven travelers were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.