Source: CBP
Andrade, California – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly 400 pounds of methamphetamine in two separate incidents at the Andrade Port of Entry — a reminder that even the smallest border crossings can play a critical role in national security.
The discoveries, made over a four-day period in late September, highlight the increasing sophistication of drug smuggling operations along California’s southern border. Andrade, located roughly 130 miles east of San Diego near the California-Arizona line, is one of the state’s smallest ports of entry. Despite its size, officials said the port continues to see major narcotics seizures.
According to CBP, the first bust occurred on Sept. 26 when officers inspecting a vehicle noticed anomalies during a routine screening. With the help of a canine enforcement officer and a narcotics detection dog, they discovered 219 packages of methamphetamine hidden throughout the vehicle — tucked inside the gas tank, stuffed under rear seats, and even packed into the spare tire. The drugs weighed more than 239 pounds, with an estimated street value of $482,500.
Three days later, officers stopped another vehicle attempting to cross the border. After a similar inspection, authorities uncovered 189 packages of meth hidden inside the car’s rear doors, quarter panels, and roof. That load weighed approximately 147 pounds.
Combined, the two busts amounted to nearly 400 pounds of methamphetamine — enough, officials said, to cause significant harm if it had reached U.S. streets.
“The Andrade Port of Entry exemplifies the vital role every border crossing plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation,” said Calexico Port Director Roque Caza. “Through steadfast enforcement efforts, we protect our communities and uphold the integrity of our borders.”
The Andrade crossing handles a fraction of the traffic seen at larger California ports like San Ysidro or Otay Mesa, but its officers remain vigilant. CBP officials said smaller ports are often targeted by traffickers who believe they face less scrutiny there.
The agency credited its success to a mix of technology, training, and human intuition — along with the indispensable assistance of drug-sniffing dogs. “Our canine teams are a critical part of our enforcement operations,” Caza said, noting that many large-scale drug seizures begin with a dog’s alert.
Both cases remain under investigation. CBP has not released details about the drivers or whether the incidents are connected.
Officials urged the public to report any suspicious activity through the agency’s “Report Tips / Illegal Activity” portal, emphasizing that community cooperation remains essential to combating drug trafficking.
