CBP in San Diego Finds Narcotics Hidden in Cans of Food

Otay Mesa, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry foiled an alleged smuggling attempt with an unusual concealment: narcotics hidden inside cans of jalapeños and cheese sauce.

At about 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, a 27-year-old female U.S. citizen and resident of Tijuana, Mexico, drove a blue 1996 Nissan 200SX to the border crossing.

A CBP officer inspected the trunk of the vehicle and found two cans of cheese sauce and one can of jalapeños. Based on observation techniques, the CBP officer noticed the can goods appeared abnormal and the officer used a density meter to inspect the cans which confirmed the can goods were altered.

A CBP agriculture specialist screened the cans in an x-ray machine and detected anomalies with the contents.

Officers then opened all three cans, and discovered a package in each containing a total of seven pounds of methamphetamine worth an estimated $140,000.

CBP officers seized the vehicle and narcotics and turned the suspected smuggler over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.