OTAY MESA, CA - More than 5.5 tons of marijuana (11,000 pounds) was uncovered in a shipment of limes at the Otay Mesa Cargo port of entry earlier this month. In total, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 468 large, wrapped packages of the nefarious substance, with a street value of $8.4 million.

“Criminals and other bad actors will try to get past us, but CBP officers are focused on protecting our communities from illicit drugs,” said Division Director Rosa Hernandez in a press release. “I am so proud of the officers for their efforts and know that they will continue to target these dangerous shipments.”

CBP officers first referred a tractor pulling a trailer of limes for a more in-depth examination. Upon search, authorities discovered that the trailer was actually full of boxes with supposed limes and green leafy substances that, when field-tested, proved to be properties of marijuana.

CBP officers have seized the tractor, trailer, cargo shipment, and marijuana.

Just like our local CBP officers, AndNowUKnow will stay on the case—of reporting on the latest fresh produce drug busts.