CALEXICO, Calif.  — Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the Calexico East Port of Entry discovered liquid methamphetamine concealed in the gas tank of a vehicle.

On Saturday, at approximately 2:50 p.m., CBP officers encountered a 52-year-old female driver and 46-year-old male passenger in a 2002 SUV applying for admission into the United States. Following a cursory inspection, CBP officers referred the travelers and vehicle to secondary for further examination.

In secondary, non-intrusive technology was employed to perform a comprehensive scan of the vehicle. CBP officers observed irregularities in the vehicle’s gas tank area and radioed for assistance. A CBP K-9 unit responded and screened the vehicle, alerting officers to the presence of narcotics.

A total of 254.85 pounds of gasoline was extracted from the vehicle’s gas tank. CBP officers tested the contents, which resulted positive for methamphetamine.

“Drug traffickers will go to great lengths in their attempts to deceive our officers,” said Roque Caza, Calexico Area Port Director. “I’m proud of our highly trained officers working diligently every day to combat these dangerous drugs that have claimed so many lives.”

CBP officers seized the vehicle and narcotics. The driver and passenger were detained and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further processing.

Follow the Director of CBP’s San Diego Field Office on  at @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 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.