**Secondary Article: Major Methamphetamine Bust Disguised as Watermelons in Otay Mesa**
In an audacious attempt to smuggle a massive amount of methamphetamine into the United States, a shipment disguised as watermelons was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Otay Mesa cargo facility. The seizure took place on Friday, August 16th, when CBP officers decided to conduct a secondary inspection on a tractor-trailer being driven by a 29-year-old individual heading into the United States.
Upon further inspection, the officers found that the “watermelons” were actually 1,220 packages wrapped in a material designed to look like the fruit. After conducting tests, the packages were confirmed to contain methamphetamine, weighing a staggering total of 4,587 pounds (2,080.6 kilograms), with an estimated market value of $5 million.
Following the discovery, both the methamphetamine and the vehicle were confiscated. The driver was taken into custody and is currently under the jurisdiction of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
“A medida que los cárteles de la droga continúen evolucionando sus técnicas de contrabando, seguiremos encontrando nuevas y mejores formas de evitar que estas peligrosas drogas y otros contrabandos entren en el paÃs,” stated Rosa E. Hernández, Director of Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
### Additional Information: Recent Drug Seizures in Southern California
This recent seizure is part of a broader pattern of significant drug interceptions in the region. Here are some other notable cases:
1. **Large Seizure in Ensenada**: On August 9, 2024, authorities arrested individuals in Ensenada carrying long firearms and substantial quantities of drugs.
2. **Fentanyl in a Vehicle Tire**: On August 3, 2024, over 32 kilograms of fentanyl were discovered concealed within a car tire trying to cross the border.
3. **Methamphetamine Hidden in a Vehicle**: On July 26, 2024, CBP agents confiscated 133.11 pounds of methamphetamine from a vehicle aiming to cross into the United States.
4. **450 Pounds of Methamphetamine Seized in Indio, California**: On July 11, 2024, a significant haul of 450 pounds of methamphetamine was seized in Indio, tied to an individual known as “El Ruso.”
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges and evolving strategies in the fight against drug smuggling operations trying to breach U.S. borders.