Cocaine found in truck fuel tanks in Huixtla
Original reporting: Proyecto Puente
What happened
Proyecto Puente reported that an X-ray scan and narcotics dog led federal officers to 170 packages in two fuel tanks. The driver and seized drugs were referred to federal prosecutors.
Reporting and context
Federal authorities arrested a truck driver in Huixtla, Chiapas, after finding 171.42 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the vehicle’s two fuel tanks, according to Proyecto Puente, which cited Mexico’s Security Cabinet.
The outlet reported that the discovery came during a routine inspection at Huixtla’s Comprehensive Border Traffic Attention Center. Personnel from Mexico’s National Customs Agency, the Defense Ministry, the National Guard and the Security and Citizen Protection Ministry took part in the operation.
A mobile X-ray scan revealed irregularities in the density of both fuel tanks and rectangular objects inside them. The Security Cabinet said officers then conducted a more detailed inspection with a narcotics detection dog, which gave a positive alert.
Inspectors found 85 packages in each tank, making 170 packages with a combined reported weight of 171.42 kilograms.
The driver and the seized drugs were handed over to the federal Attorney General’s Office, known as the FGR, for follow-up, Proyecto Puente reported.
Original reporting: Proyecto Puente.