CBP Seizes Over 900 Pounds of Liquid Meth in Fuel Tank

Customs and Border Protection officers discover massive drug haul during vehicle inspection at Otay Mesa Cargo Facility

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:04pm

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility in San Diego, California seized over 900 pounds of liquid methamphetamine that was concealed within the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer. The 26-year-old Mexican driver was detained and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry.

Why it matters

This significant drug bust highlights the ongoing efforts by CBP to intercept dangerous narcotics before they can reach communities. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and destructive drug that has fueled crime and public health crises across the United States, making this a major win in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

The details

During a secondary inspection, CBP officers utilized non-intrusive scanning technology to detect an unknown gel-like substance mixed in with the diesel fuel in the tractor-trailer's fuel tank. Upon further examination, officers extracted 29 five-gallon buckets containing the liquid, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 944 pounds.

  • The seizure occurred on March 2, 2026.
  • The driver, a 26-year-old Mexican citizen, was seeking entry into the United States from Mexico.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including preventing the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Homeland Security Investigations

A division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that investigates a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods into, within and out of the United States.

Rosa Hernandez

The Otay Mesa Port Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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What they’re saying

“Thanks to the vigilance and expertise of our officers, we successfully intercepted 944 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed within the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer. This significant seizure demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting our borders and preventing dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities.”

— Rosa Hernandez, Otay Mesa Port Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

What’s next

Homeland Security Investigations will continue the investigation into the driver and the drug smuggling operation.

The takeaway

This record-breaking drug bust by CBP underscores the critical role border enforcement plays in disrupting the flow of illicit narcotics into the United States and protecting public safety. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis fueled by methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs.