CBP Officers at Otay Mesa Seize Over $1 Million in Cocaine

OTAY MESA, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility made a major narcotics seizure on Tuesday, September 10, successfully intercepting over $1 million worth of cocaine.

At approximately 12:40 p.m., a 34-year-old driver operating a commercial tractor-trailer and empty flatbed applied for entry into the United States from Mexico. A CBP K9 unit performed a routine inspection of the vehicle and alerted officers to the possible presence of drugs, prompting further investigation.

The driver, a valid border crossing card holder, was referred to a secondary inspection area for an in-depth examination of the tractor-trailer. Using non-intrusive inspection technology, officers detected unusual anomalies within the truck’s fifth wheel area. Upon closer inspection, they uncovered 65 packages concealed in the compartment. Testing confirmed the contents as cocaine, totaling 167.11 pounds with an estimated street value of $1,270,000.

“Today’s significant seizure underscores our officers’ unwavering dedication to securing the border and protecting our communities from dangerous narcotics,” said Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director for Otay Mesa. “This interception is a direct result of our team’s relentless vigilance and commitment to safeguarding the public.”

CBP officers seized both the narcotics and the tractor-trailer involved in the smuggling attempt. The driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further inquiry.

This interdiction is part of Operation Apollo, a comprehensive initiative launched in October 2023 aimed at countering fentanyl smuggling. Initially implemented in southern California, the program expanded into Arizona in 2024, focusing on intelligence collection and collaboration with various federal, state, and local agencies to bolster border security efforts.

As CBP continues to disrupt narcotic smuggling operations, this successful action highlights the crucial role these enforcement measures play in protecting communities from the dangers posed by illegal drugs.