34-year-old man : “47 Pounds of Meth Found in Ice Chest with Dead Fish at US Border”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Methamphetamine smuggling
2. Fish ice chest drug bust

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside an ice chest full of deceased fish at the Calexico West Port of Entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. The suspect, a 34-year-old man, was apprehended while driving through the SENTRI lane. Following a thorough inspection, officers discovered 25 packages of methamphetamine weighing a total of 47 pounds. The narcotics, vehicle, and suspect were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further scrutiny. This seizure was part of “Operation Apollo,” a comprehensive anti-fentanyl initiative aimed at combating drug trafficking. The CBP remains vigilant in safeguarding the nation’s borders against such illicit activities.

Massive Drug Seizure at U.S.-Mexico Border

Last Sunday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers made a significant discovery at the Calexico West Port of Entry along the U.S.-Mexico border between California and Mexicali. Nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine were found concealed within an ice chest full of dead fish, the agency reported on Wednesday.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place around 8:39 p.m. local time when officers from the CBO San Diego field office encountered a 34-year-old man driving a sedan through the SENTRI lane. Upon initial inspection, officers detected irregularities within an ice chest located in the trunk of the vehicle. A K-9 team was called in and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics.

Upon further inspection, officers discovered and removed 25 packages from the ice chest, which weighed a total of 47 pounds. The contents were confirmed to be methamphetamine after testing, the CBP confirmed.

Next Steps

The suspect was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation, and both the narcotics and the vehicle were seized by CBP officers. Roque Caza, Calexico Area Port Director, commended the officers for their diligent work in combating drug trafficking.

Operation Apollo

The successful seizure was part of “Operation Apollo,” a counter-fentanyl initiative that began in October 2023 in southern California and later expanded to Arizona. The operation focuses on intelligence gathering and partnerships to combat the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to keep dangerous drugs off the streets and out of our communities. The CBP continues to work tirelessly to intercept illegal substances and protect the public from the harmful effects of drug trafficking.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 47 pounds of meth found in ice chest of dead fish at US-Mexico border