U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro port of entry this week discovered 71 pounds of liquid cocaine, with a street value of $710,000.

On Tuesday, June 19, at about 3 a.m., CBP officers encountered a 46-year-old male citizen of El Salvador, driving a GMC Sierra pick up truck, waiting in line to enter the U.S. from Mexico. A CBP officer and his canine were screening vehicles when the dog alerted to the rear of the cab. The driver and vehicle were pulled aside for a more in-depth investigation.

A CBP officer searched the vehicle and found four, liquid-filled, plastic jugs hidden behind the rear seat. The officer field-tested the liquid in the jugs and it tested positive for cocaine. Officers subsequently extracted a total of 71 pounds of liquid cocaine from the four jugs.

CBP officers seized the cocaine and truck. The driver, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, was arrested and transported to the Metropolitan Correctional Center.