This photo provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows the Otay Mesa commercial facility where authorities discovered almost 1,200 small packages of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of onions on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP)
Authorities seized nearly $3 million worth of methamphetamine, hidden among a shipment of onions, during a tractor-trailer's inspection at a federal facility in San Diego, officials announced Friday.
A K-9 unit for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection alerted to the trailer's shipment of onions on Sunday and officers found nearly 1,200 small packages of meth, the agency said Friday in a news release.
The 46-year-old driver, a Mexican national who was not named, was arrested for the alleged narcotic smuggling attempt at the Otay Mesa port-of-entry commercial vehicle facility, officials said.
The packages of meth — more than 1,336 pounds (606 kilograms) — were shaped into small globes with a white covering, the agency said and meant to blend into the onions. The drugs are estimated to be worth $2.9 million on the street.
“This was not only a clever attempt to try and smuggle in narcotics, one I haven’t seen before, but also time-consuming to wrap narcotics into these small packages, designed to look like onions,” said Sidney Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations in San Diego, in the news release. “While we have certainly seen narcotics in produce before, it’s unusual for us to see this level of detail in the concealment.”
Hena Doba, Michelle Castillo and Kristen Scholer showed off their costumes -- and some photos from their childhoods -- as staff celebrate Halloween at Cheddar News' studio and offices. Michelle Castillo also reported on a new immersive masquerade experience, 'Dreams of Dracula,' in New York City. And Daniella Park, principal baker at Baketivity, showed off some spooky treats to enjoy. Plus, we'll let you know which candies are popular as you prepare to go trick-or-treating.
With Halloween here, you can look to also make some spooky treats for your guests. Daniella Park, principal baker at Baketivity, joined Cheddar News to demonstrate some creative eats that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
A Massachusetts group is working to clear the names of people accused, convicted or executed for witchcraft in the state of Massachusetts in the 1600s.
