$5 Million Worth of Meth Found Hidden in Fake Watermelons at US-Mexico Border

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has uncovered more than $5 million worth of methamphetamine disguised as fake watermelons at the US-Mexico border. The seizure involved 1,220 packages of meth, weighing over two tonnes, which were intercepted on August 20 as they entered California from Mexico.

The packages were cleverly wrapped in watermelon-imitating plastic that featured two shades of green, designed to mimic the appearance and size of real watermelons, according to the police. The discovery took place at the Otay Mesa Port in San Diego when CBP officers stopped a 29-year-old man driving a tractor-trailer hauling what was supposed to be a shipment of watermelons.

CBP shared the news on Twitter, stating, “The watermelon is known for being a refreshing fruit, but CBP officers seized more than $5M worth of meth disguised and concealed within a shipment of watermelons.”

During the inspection, officers referred the driver, the tractor-trailer, and its cargo to a secondary inspection area. At the intensive dock, a thorough examination of the watermelon shipment revealed the mass supply of meth hidden inside fake watermelons, which tested positive as methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth.

This isn’t the first time CBP officers have encountered such deceptive tactics. Earlier in August, they intercepted a 629-pound shipment of meth concealed within bags of celery, also crossing the border from Mexico into the US.

The ongoing efforts by CBP to thwart the smuggling of drugs into the US highlight the increasingly creative methods traffickers use to disguise illegal substances. The agency remains vigilant in protecting the borders from such illegal activities, ensuring that dangerous drugs like meth do not make their way into the country.