CBP seize 754 pounds of pot in Calexico border bust
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials seized 754 pounds of marijuana hidden inside a shipment of concrete stone products Monday at the Calexico East port of entry.
The Freightliner tractor-trailer carrying the drugs tried to cross the southeastern California border crossing from Mexico about 7 p.m. Monday. U.S. Customs officers flagged the vehicle for inspection after X-ray examination of the truck and trailer raised officers suspicion.
The truck's shipment of concrete articles, including artistic columns, drinking fountains and plant pots, was removed and inspected after a CBP canine unit alerted officers to the trailer. A detailed inspection of the shipment revealed 69 wrapped bundles of marijuana hidden inside some of the stone products.
CBP seized the vehicle and contraband. Special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested the 24-year-old Mexican driver, who was transported to Imperial county jail to await arraignment.
The seizure brings the total amount of narcotics confiscated this year at the two Calexico ports to nearly 41,500 pounds, compared to more than 46,000 pounds during the same period last year.
CBP seize 754 pounds of pot in Calexico border bust
