A 26-year-old Mexican citizen, Alonzo Cesena Camacho, from Tijuana, is currently facing the possibility of a life sentence after being accused of attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of liquid methamphetamine into the United States. The incident took place at the California border where authorities intercepted the illegal shipment concealed within a truck’s fuel tank.

Last week, during a routine inspection at the San Diego border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered nearly 1,000 pounds of liquid meth tucked away in the fuel tank of a commercial tractor-trailer. The discovery came as Camacho attempted to cross into the United States through the Otay Mesa Import Cargo Facility.

The officers’ suspicions were aroused when they noticed a white, crystalline substance on the surface of the truck’s fuel tank, according to statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This prompted a more thorough investigation which led to the uncovering of 29 buckets of liquid methamphetamine hidden inside the passenger-side fuel tank, amounting to almost 995 pounds. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance was indeed methamphetamine.

Camacho, who was entering the U.S. on a business visa, reportedly informed officers that he intended to leave the truck in a parking lot in Otay Mesa for a payment of $1,000, as outlined in the criminal complaint filed in San Diego federal court. His plan, however, was thwarted when federal officers arrested him on charges of importing a controlled substance, a serious offense under federal law.

Camacho was attempting to enter the US on a business visa and told officers he planned to leave the truck in a parking lot in Otay Mesa in exchange for $1,000, according to a criminal complaint filed in San Diego federal court. 

Federal officers arrested Camacho and prosecutors charged him with importation of a controlled substance under federal law.

He faces 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.

Federal Judge Jill L. Burkhardt last Tuesday ordered the accused smuggler held without bail, citing a flight risk.

Camacho is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 17 and for his arraignment on March 26.

Camacho’s attorney couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection are leading an investigation into the case.

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