Calexico, California - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico downtown port of entry Sunday arrested a man after discovering more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed in the fuel tank of the pickup he was driving.

Shortly before 2 p.m. on February 8, a CBP officer conducting inspections of vehicles and travelers encountered a 39-year-old man after he entered the port of entry driving a 2003 Ford F-250 pickup truck.  The officer detected anomalies with the undercarriage of the vehicle and referred both driver and vehicle for a more in-depth examination.

CBP officers used the port’s imaging system and a CBP narcotics detector dog to conduct an intensive inspection, and found liquid methamphetamine concealed inside a specially built compartment in the fuel tank.  The estimated street value of the narcotics was $750,000.

The driver, a U.S. citizen and resident of Lemon Grove, California, was arrested and turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations agents for further processing.

He was later transported to the Imperial County Jail to await arraignment.

CBP seized the vehicle and narcotics.