CBP officers seize nearly 1,600 pounds of meth at Otay Mesa port of entry worth $2.5 million

SAN DIEGO - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry this week seized nearly 1,600 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a commercial shipment of tomatillos. These deadly drugs have an estimated street value of nearly $2.5 million. This seizure was announced earlier today at a news conference hosted by CBP's Office of Field Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, and Air and Marine Operations as well as Homeland Security Investigations.

"While our nation's borders are the safest and most secure in history, this CBP seizure shows that drug cartels are not going away," said CBP San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki. "These dangerous criminal networks will stop at nothing to increase their profits and release their deadly poison into neighborhoods and communities across the United States. Nothing is more important than keeping the American people safe and CBP will continue to adapt and adjust to the ever-changing strategies of these dangerous and deadly drug cartels."

"Through the dedicated efforts of our agents and law enforcement partners, and by enforcing our nation's existing laws, San Diego Sector has significantly reduced attempts to enter the United States illegally, said U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre. "By disrupting criminal smuggling networks and holding people accountable, we have achieved the safest border environment I've seen in my career. Fewer people are undertaking the dangerous journey, fewer lives are lost and our agents are more effectively stopping dangerous drugs from reaching our communities."

"Cartels are adapting their smuggling tactics, including attempts to exploit the maritime domain, but the San Diego Air and Marine Branch is prepared to meet that threat," said San Diego Air and Marine Branch Director Daniel Jonas. "In FY 2026, our personnel seized more than 302,000 pounds of drugs and more than $4.5 million in illicit currency while expanding maritime patrol activity. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we will continue to detect, deter, and disrupt criminal activity by land, air, and sea before it reaches American communities."

Recent drug interdictions across the United States demonstrate a strategic shift by drug networks, including efforts to hide contraband in more complex ways. This adaptation was anticipated: when traditional routes become more difficult to exploit, criminal networks seek new methods to evade detection.

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the dedicated men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, alongside our law enforcement partners, have arrested and removed thousands of criminal aliens from the country - including gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers - to make our communities safer.

-CBP-

Follow the Director of CBP's San Diego Field Office on X@DFOSanDiegoCA and Instagram@DFOSanDiegoCA for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Agriculture
• Drug Seizure
• Drug Trafficking