Fake watermelons held $5M worth of meth, Border Patrol says

By FOX TV Digital Staff
Published  August 22, 2024 1:13pm PDT
KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco

CBP photo

The Brief

    • A watermelon truck was stopped at the Mexico-California border Tuesday.
    • The cargo turned out to include 1,200 packages of methamphetamine, disguised as watermelons.
    • Estimated street value: More than $5 million.

SAN DIEGO - Border Patrol agents intercepted a shipment of watermelons along the U.S.-Mexico border this week because some of the fruit, it turned out, was not fruit at all.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the tractor-trailer was trying to enter California from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility south of San Diego on Tuesday. 

Agents flagged the truck for inspection and, among the watermelons, found 1,220 packages wrapped in watermelon-style paper. The fake fruits were stuffed with methamphetamine.

In all, agents say the packages concealed 4,587 pounds of meth, with a street value of over $5 million.

CBP photo

Calling it a "seedy situation," the agency credited an ongoing counter-fentanyl operation with snagging the meth.

"As drug cartels continue to evolve their smuggling techniques, we will continue finding new and better ways to prevent these dangerous drugs and other contraband from entering the country," pledged Rosa E. Hernandez, the director of the port of entry.

RELATED: $500K worth of fentanyl seized during Phoenix traffic stop

The drugs and truck were seized, while the unnamed 29-year-old driver was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security.

The Source

  • Information and photos from U.S. Customs and Border Protection was used in this report.