Over 400 pounds of cocaine found in fuel tanks

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A man driving a commercial tractor-trailer was handed over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations Monday after a major drug bust in Otay Mesa, authorities said.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers encountered the 35-year-old man while he was applying for entry from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility. He had a valid border crossing card at the time.

The driver and tractor-trailer were referred for further examination. CBP said a K9 unit then alerted officers to the fuel tanks. A total of 160 packages were found inside the fuel tanks in what officials described as "a non-factory compartment."

The contents of the packages were tested and officers determined it to be cocaine, collectively weighing 412.26 pounds.

“The continued success of OFO canine teams in the detection of narcotics is a team effort,” said Rosa E. Hernandez, portDdirector for the Area Ports of Otay Mesa. “We will continue to conduct
operations, including Operation Apollo, while leveraging intelligence and investigative
information to target drug traffickers’ supply chains.”

CBP officers seized the narcotics and commercial tractor-trailer, while the driver was turned over
to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

Officials said this seizure is the result of Operation Apollo, a counter-fentanyl effort that began on Oct. 26, 2023 in Southern California.