CBP officers seize $1.5 million of cocaine hidden in watermelon shipment

The driver of the truck containing the watermelons had a valid border crossing card, and was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

By Charlotte Hazard

Published: March 18, 2023 5:23pm

Updated: March 18, 2023 6:05pm

Customs and Border Protection officers in California intercepted a large amount of cocaine hidden inside a shipment of watermelons earlier this week.

The driver of the truck containing the watermelons had a valid border crossing card. He was told to go to a dock to be inspected by the officers.

During the inspection, drug-sniffing dogs sensed something suspicious and it was discovered the truck was carrying 22 wrapped packages of cocaine that weighed a total of around 120 pounds with an estimated street value of approximately $1.5 million. The packages were concealed within the plastic pallets.

The unnamed driver was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His vehicle was also seized.