CALEXICO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a major cocaine smuggling attempt on September 17th at the Calexico East Port of Entry Commercial Facility.

During a routine inspection, a male driver hauling a car carrier trailer was flagged for further examination. The driver, who claimed to be en route to Pomona, California, to collect vehicles for transport to Mexicali, Mexico, was referred for a secondary inspection based on the officer’s observations.

CBP used non-intrusive X-ray technology during the inspection and detected anomalies within the trailer. A K9 unit gave a positive alert, and officers conducted a physical search. They uncovered 70 packages of a white powdery substance, which field-tested positive for cocaine, weighing nearly 186 pounds.

The cocaine, trailer, and tractor were all seized. The driver’s visa was revoked, and he now faces federal drug smuggling charges.

According to Calexico Port of Entry Director Roque Caza, “This seizure highlights the dedication and vigilance of CBP officers in protecting our nation’s borders and preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities.”