U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped two smuggling attempts this week, seizing narcotics worth an estimated $2.7 million while arresting seven suspects.
They found the drugs, liquid methamphetamine concealed in recreational trailers, during two separate border stops. Â
A white Ford Excursion towing a trailer was selected for inspection by officers working at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry at about 8 a.m. Sunday. Four people occupied the SUV, a female and male, both 61, another man, 56, and a woman, 47.
During the inspection, officers noticed an unusual liquid within the trailer’s water tank. The liquid, identified as methamphetamine, was extracted into 22 five-gallon buckets.Â
The total weight of the meth was 735.59 pounds with an estimated street value of $1.5 million.
The second smuggling attempt occurred Sunday night, this time at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
At approximately 9:13 p.m., officers focused on another Ford Excursion towing a trailer after noticing that certain areas of the trailer had been tampered with. The three occupants, all males, ranged in age from 18 to 22.
A canine screened the SUV and alerted near the liquid tank under the trailer, triggering a further search.
Officers discovered 554.73 pounds of liquid methamphetamine stored in 16 sealed five-gallon buckets. It has an estimated street value of almost $1.2 million.
All seven suspects were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.
Officers also seized the vehicles and trailers.
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