Watermelon shipment at San Diego border hid $2.5 million in meth, CBP says

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Monday, May 24, 2021
Watermelon shipment at border hid 1,100 pounds of meth, CBP says
Federal agents seized a shipment of watermelons at the San Diego border that hid more than $2.5 million in methamphetamine.

SAN DIEGO -- Fake vegetables, frozen sharks, and an Xbox - just a few of the bizarre methods drug smugglers use to hide and transport their goods.



Now add watermelons to that list.



Border Patrol agents at the Otay Mesa commercial inspection facility near San Diego seized more than $2.5 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of melons.



This is the second time in a week a meth shipment was discovered at the facility.



The shipment held more than 1,100 pounds of the drug.



RELATED: Meth disguised as ice pops seized at California-Arizona border


This seems like something that could have been inspired by the hit television show "Breaking Bad."


It was discovered Tuesday evening. A truck was driving through the checkpoint when a CBP officer referred the shipment for further examination.



Officials say a canine alerted to the shipment of watermelons, indicating possible contraband.



U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers searched the truck and found 193 wrapped plastic containers inside.



The truck driver, a 47-year-old Mexican national, was arrested for attempted smuggling of narcotics.



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